I only recently found out that depression/anxiety was associated with PCOS and glad to know it because i thought i was crazy as many people think. I am easily irritated and always down about something. In the past I have tried cymbalta, lexapro, effexor xr none of them seemed to change my mood or feeling. my stepdad let me try some atarax and i guess you could say it calmed me down but what is something that could help me get out of this slump. I am tired of the mood swings and im sure my family is also tired of them also.
Are you seeing a psychiatrist to manage these meds or a PCP? Are you willing/have you thought about self-hypnosis to manage your anxiety? There are psychologist who are trained in self-hypnosis that you can receive counseling as well
Have you been keeping a 'mood journal'? If so that might help a doctor identify if the depression followed your starting a new medication. Some cysters report severe depression from metformin and also BCP's.
Also, try to find a doctor who understands that depression in women with pcos can be due to SEVERAL factors - not jut that 'a woman has pcos'.
Below are some links which discuss how IR, and even elevated testosterone can lead to depression in women with pcos.
So it's best to work with someone who is looking at all possibilities, rather than jumping to any conclusion. In the end, the goal is for you to feel better
I can get really really depressed and anxious. It took me at least 6 weeks to feel the full of effects of the Lexapro I was prescribed. It is such a miracle drug for depression and anxiety. Do you think you have given A/D a good try?
__________________ Me-36 DH-36 DD-6 Thin with pcos--My daily regimen: prescription iron, GNC Ultra Mega Vitamins, fish oil, borage oil, dha, walking at least 30 min-1 hr a day, pilates, and doing weights
The irritability might be more related to hormones. Have you had those checked? Is your testosterone very high and progesterone very low? I am seeing an endocrinologist and he said my testosterone was way too high and progesterone way too low, and either of those can cause irritability (so imagine, I had BOTH!!!). My mood has much impoved since doing 2 things: 1, starting on progesterone (I'm doing bioidenticals), been on that 2 months, and 2, exercise. A few weeks after starting the gym (and nothing major, I'm talking 30-40 minutes on the bike 3 x a week--can't do more due to foot surgery), I started noticing a difference in my moods. I am MUCH less irritable with the combo of progesterone and exercise.
I have PCOS, and am totally a freak, or at least I feel that way...I easily get upset and I always think there is something wrong with me....Unfortunately, this pcos crap is a demon!! It is the root of ALL of my "Issues" Migraines, those suck! Havent had a period in I dont no how long... I am embarressingly hairy, and of course, fat! 244 FREAKING pounds.... I have an anxiety with taking pills, Im always afraid they will hurt me.....Ive been on Metformin, irregulary and spironolactin was my first drug.... Now, as of yesterday, the doc put me on Metformin 2 times a day, 500mg each and spironolactin 2 times a day at 25 mg a dose...So, here is hoping.....
I have severe issues with depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. I am not sure if they are related to PCOS or not, since when I was on BCPs, I still had symptoms. But maybe PCOS is a contributing factr? My MD just switched me to Wellbutrin because I have been more depressed lately. Won't do anything for the anxiety, but if I can get rid of this depression, I'd be a much better wife and mother.
Low progesterone levels (try non-exsisten progesterone levels) were 100% the cause of MAJOR anxiety attacks for me. A bioidentical progesterone cream saved my life...I was in a REALLY bad place. I would have your hormones checked. Sending you well wishes!
Some great advice, kristen09. Exercise is a must! Even if it's only a short walk. It releases chemicals that make you feel better emotionally.
Please see a psychiatrist about your mood problems! I had been seeing a GP and eventually he told me he wanted me to see a psychiatrist. I'm so glad he did! She knew about boosters and got me on a combination of medications that has helped greatly. All these years I thought my body was getting used to these meds and that's why they stopped working. My psychiatrist explained to me that this was not the case. Now that I've gotten my PCOS diagnosis, I can see that my flucuating hormones are what causes all that depression and mood issues! Now that my PCOS is being treated along with my depression, I feel so much better!!! If only I had known 10 years ago that this was the problem! Oh well, makes us stronger eh?
If you don't like your psychiatrist, go see another!
I have dealt with depression and anxiety since my early teens. I just read a book called Less Than Crazy - Living Fully With Bipolar 2. I havent been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder tho my doctor has told me he thinks its possible. I totally argued with him because I even tho I had the mood swings and depression, I didnt see the mania. After reading this book I think I may have been wrong. Bipolar 2 is a mild form of bipolar disorder, the "manic" stage in bipolar 2 shows up mostly as anxiety. Not saying you have this but it may be worth looking into...
__________________ Dx with PCOS 1996 @ 14 y/o Dx with Major Depression Dx with Social Anxiety Possible dx of Bi-polar disorder
I have lived with depression, anxiety and ocd issues since I was about 13. The first 6 months of this year were the worst. I was depressed, anxious, in fear of being laid off, and my marriage of 11 years was falling apart. I began seeing a counselor for myself, a marriage counselor for the two of us, and tried several different medications. Welbutrin made me feel a little better until I had an alergic reaction to it an broke out in hives. Then I was put on effexor which did nothing for me except make me forgetful, feel out of control, and try to commit suicide after being on it for about two months! In the hospital I was put on lorazipam for anxiety (my bp was about 225/152) and it just made me like a zombie but did not really do much for the anxiety over all. The problem was that I was being treated for the symptoms and not the cause. I began seeing my obgyn in June to find out why I had never gotten pregnant and she diagnosed me with PCOS in August. I am now treating the main cause of the instability,the pcos, it is a relief just knowing the cause. I am on metformin and work out on a regular basis (releases mood lifting endorphins) don't eat so much junk (diet can be a factor in mood) and feel more balanced and stable than I have in years. The depression , anxiety and ocd are not completely gone but they do not consume my life anymore and when they do rear their ugly heads I can manage it. My DH and I are now happier and closer than we have been in years. The only thing that would be better is if we could finally get our BFP. Good luck there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If I can make it to the other side you can too.
__________________
Kellie 35 Ray 39
TTC#1 26mo
Met 1500mg
Clomid 9/4/09 50mg
Clomid 10/2/09 100mg
Clomid 10/29/09 100mg
HSG 11/2/09 failed
Dialation/HSG 11/3/09 clear
Clomid 11/26/09
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Depression/Anxiety What to do? 
