Is This Severe PMS, Depression or a Hormonal Imbalance?

Updated on February 29, 2008
S.S. asks from Simi Valley, CA
6 answers

I've been struggling w/ several different "symptoms" and I'm not sure if they're all related or just appearing together as coincidence. I want to go see a doctor, but which one? Family doc? GYN? Psychiatrist?

I was recently diagnosed and treated for Endometriosis and I had my tubes tied (had a difficult first pregnancy...and one little angel is enough) in Dec. '07. Since about July of '07 I've been struggling w/ excessively oily skin (more so than when I was a teen), drastic mood swings, lack of energy, lack of motivation, insomnia and heavy, painful periods. The Endo must have been the cause of the pain because I've been feeling OK since the surgery I had in Dec. But...everything else is still there. I can cry at the drop of a hat at ANY time during the month. I lose patience for my daughter very quickly and that's not like me. I have NO motivation most of the time to do anything. It takes all the energy I have, which isn't much these days, to clean our tiny apartment or do laundry.

Can this be a hormonal imbalance or depression? Or could it be something else entirely? I don't know which doc. to see to help me out. I had my hormone levels tested about 7 or 8 months ago and they were "fine" whatever that means.

Anyone else out there going through this same thing? Or similar? I would really appreciate ANY advice or insight. I feel like I'm losing my mind and I don't like the person I've become. I want to get "ME" back...and I'm sure my daughter does too.

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So What Happened?

Well, I went to see my family doc. today. He's going to try upping my Lexapro 5mg for a couple of weeks. He seems to think that it's more hormonal than depression, but wants to start w/ the Lexapro first. If after two weeks I'm still in the same situation, he wants me to see my GYN. So.....I'll give it a couple of weeks and see how it goes. I'll keep ya'll posted!

More Answers

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T.C.

answers from Austin on

Doesn't sound like hormonal or PMS. I suffer on and off from depression and all the symptoms you are discussing are symptoms that lead me to talk to a doctor. I'd try your family doc first and let him recommend a therapist. It's been my experience that often a good talk therapist can help with moderate depression with out taking the next step which is an antidepressant drug like Lexapro or something. I've had Endo too and the pain over years and years lead to some of my depression so don't discount that even tough the pain is gone for now. Also getting your tubes tied is pretty major since it's basically making the choice to not have any more kids and a young age. Obviously I don't have all the info so shouldn't guess at a prognosis for you but I do suggest you talk to your family Doc!

Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.R.

answers from Austin on

I agree that the family doctor is the place to start. I have prayed for you!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Austin on

I have had serveral children and have experience some of the same symptoms you are describing. In my opinion, going to your family doctor first would be a move in the right direction. Not knowing more details and other circumstances I would say it sounds like depression. Simply because depression can manifest in a large variety of ways/symptoms and everyone is different. Until you "solve" the problem I would make it a point to take extra time out of every day to do even just a little something for yourself. For example: take a bubble bath, have your boyfriend give you a massage ( or give one to yourself), sit in you living room with all electonic devices off and pray or set one small goal that you can accomplish. The key is to remove noise and to slow down and find peace.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

O.C.

answers from Austin on

wow,
Do check with your doctor, and request a CRP test,
C Reactive Protein test, this will show you how much inflammation is in your blood vessels. Inflammation is the root of all diseases.
Something is going on inside you have no clue of and this test will show you why.

Try a Natural Alternative with NO side effects, remember drugs have serious side effects,even aspirins.

good luck,
Oly

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from Austin on

Hi S., You've got some hormone issues going on there. I would go see an endocrinologist, rather than your regular doctor. I have some hormonal issues myself, but they are due to a pituitary tumor. You don't want to keep going on like you are...no fun for anyone!
Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.J.

answers from Austin on

I think you should see you ob. Find out what she thinks about all this and she will refree you to someone. you should get youself check out. you never know. hopw this help.

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