PCOS/Depression/Crazy Mood Swings

AQUALICIOUS · 09-29-2002, 03:00 AM

I've had PCOS for 3 years now - and while I've managed to lose about 70 lbs int eh last 18 months (and in the process regain lost hair and clear out one ovary from any cysts), As each cycle progresses, I become more emotional and have symptoms of depression. Im not on any pharmaceuticals, but rather rely on my naturopathic gynocologist to provide me with herbal remedies (I refuse to go on any "Drugs").
Does anyone else have the same symptoms? Please share!

taah · 09-30-2002, 04:13 AM

Alot of women with PCOS suffer with depression. There has been research linking depression and PCOS together and they are currently doing research because there seems to be a link between PCOS and bipolar. I am bipolar and also have anxiety disorder.... with the bipolar though my main problem area is severe depression with occassional bouts of mania....but the depression is the worst... I am however using medications to control mine...

I wish you the best ...

TERRA

southernangel · 10-01-2002, 10:37 PM

I know how you feel. i get the same way when i'm supposed to hae my period i get really depressed and noone can get me out of it.. it sucks big time..

CTCyster · 10-01-2002, 10:58 PM

Welcome to Soulcysters,Aqualicious!! (BTW-Love your name

)

Depression is a tough battle- know that you can depend on your fellow cysters for support. We're all here for you!

Hang in there!

*Aimee*

worried_uk · 10-06-2002, 01:44 PM

I think I may have found my second sympton! My mood swings have become nearly uncontrollable, and as for my self image...
I wish I could just snap out of it, those closest to me are really feeling it now. Is there a way of explaining things without pushing them away?
Any response would be appreciated

lilsmommy · 10-06-2002, 02:15 PM

I've had pcos for 24 years and am too familiar with the anxiety/depression/mood swings. It has had an effect on my relationships and my employment.

The greatest news for me was when I had my suspicions confirmed - that I did have pcos.

The depression and mood swings being linked to a certain extent to pcos only make sense. Our hormones are out of control. It is like we are experiencing pms constantly and with little relief. Knowing that pcos is a factor in all of this has made life easier not only for me, but for my dh and dd. They know that these periods will pass and that I am not directing any of my attitude at them on purpose. This is not to mean that I have license to scream at them, but it does make things easier for them.

I know you are not interested in meds, but glucophage has been very helpful for me in controlling the mood swings. Is there an equivalent that your naturopath can direct you to?

Sarah

rachelmichellek · 10-09-2002, 01:05 AM

I am so sorry you are feeling this way.

I just wanted to pipe up that I have had depression for a long time and for years and years I resisted medication because I was afraid of it... first, while I was still a teenager, my mother forced medication on me and I hated it and felt like a robot, later when I was on my own I went through SO many different medications and none of them worked for me, they made me feel worse usually. My body is just SO extremely sensitive to medications. So it seemed like there was no solution... and I took nothing for years, and my symptoms got worse, and I started getting additional symptoms like irritability and anxiety.

But then I got a new doctor a few years ago and I told him how afraid I was of medications and about my past bad experiences, and he put me of Effexor, which he says is really really gentle, as medications go. he put me on the tiniest dose and it actually WORKED. I felt SO much better. I am still on it 3 years later, and I feel so much more confident and capable and although sometimes I am still sad, and things are still a struggle, it doesn't seem so OVERWHELMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE to get out of the sadness.

I'm just saying all that beause you mentioned you would prefer not to take any meds... and I felt that way too and still agree that so many medications are overprescribed... but sometimes, when you find the right one, they do truly provide relief, you just have to sort of be an educated consumer of sorts.

Also sometimes other things can help: Are you taking a multivitamin? Are you eating well? Are you getting enough sunlight and at the right times of day? Also try not wathcing TV too late at night right before bed, sometimes the light/images disturb sleep as well as mood. Are you exercising? Is your house too full of clutter? Can you get support from anyone?

Take care, I hope you'll think about the things I have said... I have been there.

NikkiP · 10-26-2002, 02:12 PM

hey ! i hear ya . I wa sclinically depressed for years and a bouta year and ahlf ago went drug free but my symptoms seem worse then ever. I am about to try and take myself off the dianne i take for pcos and am in a muddle. how the heck did you find a naturpathic gynocologist? My docto wont even refer me ot a regualr one . My mood swings latley have been unbearable and i know my concentration is slwing down and im making miste=akes at work . v. frustrating. write me and we can support each other
NikkiP
p.s i do try primrose oil and am thinking of trying valrian - panic attacks are on the rise ! i also have tried st johns with little luck.
oh the struggle continues eh ? congrats for the wieght loss. i am trying to shed the last few pounds.
i only found out about this web site today and have been alone on this for a few years
hallelujah! support is on the way !

taah · 10-27-2002, 03:27 AM

Just wanted to say welcome to soulcysters NIKKI , this board is great for recieving information and the support from cysters is wonderful. Hope to see you around the boards. Take care.

TERRA

Jodie1971 · 10-27-2002, 03:55 AM

For those that have horrible mood swings are you taking Glucophage/ metformin? I had horrible mood swings ranging from sadness to rage....the rage was the worst before taking met/ gluco. I have been taking Glucophage now for about 3 years and i rarely get sad or angry in extremes. This is the main reason i stay on the meds because it really levels my emotions out.
Take Care,
Jodie