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Originally Posted by KatCarney  Your doctor should have NEVER diagnosed you with PCOS without first testing you for Cushing's. That's the procedure...FIRST exclude Cushing's.
If your depression started AFTER you started the meds, I would call your doctor and INSIST on switchin meds.
Look up both meds online (find a credible resource), and see if either had any reports of depression as a side effect. Even if 'only' 1% reported depression, you might be in that 1%.
When I was originally put on Demulen and Aldatone for my pcos, I, too, developed HORRIBLE depression which doctors chalked up to "me being depressed over being fat."
Well, I had been obese all of my life, so I knew the depression was due to the meds. Like you, there was NO way I could live like that. I was actually worried that I might hurt myself, and those types of thoughts were 'not like me.'
I researched both meds and Demulen had DEPRESSION listed as a side effect.
After haggling with doctors for weeks, I called and asked, "Am I going to die if I stop these meds?" He said, "No" and I replied, "Is there any danger in abruptly stopping them?" He said, "No."...and I told him, "then I'm done today." I hung up the phone and threw the meds in the trash. (I'm not necessarily recommending that course of action...just sharing what I did.)
My depression lifted almost overnight.
It was at that point I knew that I would have to get VERY serious about what I ate, and my exercise habits. I also went on the search for a new med, and stumbled upon some French studies on Flutamide. It's only approved in the US for the treatment of prostate cancer in men, and it's approved for any uses in women (in the US).
As you can imagine, if it's used to treat prostate cancer, it's a VERY strong anti-androgen. I had to go through 7 doctors to find one to Rx it for me. The 8th one agreed as long as I came in for regular liver testing, and promised not to drink alcohol.
Getting my androgens under control, coupled with extreme lifestyle changes was the 'trick' for me.
But for you...the first thing is to feel better mentally, and the second thing is to get an accurate diagnosis.
hth |
I get anxiety with depression almost methodically. I mean this in such a way because it happens on a cycle. Just like if I got a period. Which I don't. I have been studying off and on about how to get my testosterone down. But how, most Dr's are either too egotistic to care and just want to dope me up on glucophage, been there done that, gained a ton of weight. Or just stick me on birth control but that doesn't really solve the problem.
I definatly have PCOS. Overweight, hair in the wrong places, I have seen my ovaries many times. It is not good. I have never had a period naturally and I am at my wits end. These levels of testosterone send me in to complete rages. I have no control. I've asked God for help... and I dunno I am still waiting and searching. I hate the mood swings soo much. I can't handle them. I'm already on so many meds. Everyone is having babies around me. I want to smile but all I really want to do is cry. Not even that brings relief.
How on earth did you ever find out about Flutamide? AND how did you even approach your doc about it. Was it an Endocrinologist? How long did it take to work? Have you had children?
Sorry I'm new... I need help... I'm so ... sad.