can lack of estrogen cause depression

ohilly
ohilly Member Posts: 441
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I have been pretty depressed lately. I am dealing with it, but I want to know: do you believe lack of estrogen from the AIs (I am taking Femara) could cause depression?

Ohilly

Comments

  • Moopy23
    Moopy23 Member Posts: 1,751 Member
    #2
    My Sister Says So
    Ohilly, my big sister has continued to take the lowest dosage of HRT because of the emotional downs she has without some estrogen.
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #3
    Depression and AIs
    Ohilly, I wonder the same thing. I have been struggling with depression; trying different meds since last fall. Lynn
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    #4
    Google it
    I googled " can lack of estrogen cause depression" and a million sites came up. The consensus is yes, low estrogen can cause depression and anxiety. But unfortunately, we bc survivors cannot take hormone replacement therapy. So, your only alternative would be to take antidepressants I guess. I, personally, don't believe in antidepressants, but, I know a lot of people that take them. I just don't want something that alters or changes my brain or my thinking. But, I know they help a lot of people. So, that might be a choice for you.
  • Eil4186
    Eil4186 Member Posts: 949
    #5
    Kristin N said:

    Google it
    I googled " can lack of estrogen cause depression" and a million sites came up. The consensus is yes, low estrogen can cause depression and anxiety. But unfortunately, we bc survivors cannot take hormone replacement therapy. So, your only alternative would be to take antidepressants I guess. I, personally, don't believe in antidepressants, but, I know a lot of people that take them. I just don't want something that alters or changes my brain or my thinking. But, I know they help a lot of people. So, that might be a choice for you.

    I have been hearing a lot
    I have been hearing a lot lately about bio-identical hormones and that they are much safer and not made from horse urine. Some docs (article in MORE magazine)are even saying they can be safe for us if perscribed correctly. I think I will consider them eventually when I hit menopause. I did ask my onc about them and he is not agreeable however. But in the end, its my decision.
  • ohilly
    ohilly Member Posts: 441
    #6
    Eil4186 said:

    I have been hearing a lot
    I have been hearing a lot lately about bio-identical hormones and that they are much safer and not made from horse urine. Some docs (article in MORE magazine)are even saying they can be safe for us if perscribed correctly. I think I will consider them eventually when I hit menopause. I did ask my onc about them and he is not agreeable however. But in the end, its my decision.

    thank you
    Thank you all for your comments. I do not know what is wrong with me: I wake up depressed and go to sleep depressed. Yes, a lot happened to me in the past year (cancer myself, death of my mother, son got glaucoma, and marriage problems) but everything has settled out and is stable now. I cry for no reason at all. I feel like I am caught in a loop: I have to take the AIs to prevent recurrence (and am too afraid not to), I am afraid to take anti-depressants because according to the research I have done they all list hair loss as a side effect and I can't deal with any more hair loss, etc.

    Besides anti-depressants, what are some natural ways others have dealt with depression?

    Hugs,

    Ohilly
  • phoenixrising
    phoenixrising Member Posts: 1,508
    #7
    ohilly said:

    thank you
    Thank you all for your comments. I do not know what is wrong with me: I wake up depressed and go to sleep depressed. Yes, a lot happened to me in the past year (cancer myself, death of my mother, son got glaucoma, and marriage problems) but everything has settled out and is stable now. I cry for no reason at all. I feel like I am caught in a loop: I have to take the AIs to prevent recurrence (and am too afraid not to), I am afraid to take anti-depressants because according to the research I have done they all list hair loss as a side effect and I can't deal with any more hair loss, etc.

    Besides anti-depressants, what are some natural ways others have dealt with depression?

    Hugs,

    Ohilly

    Ohilly, I don't think you
    Ohilly, I don't think you are that far out of tx yet to overcome the traumatic stress you've been under. With all the problems you've had it will take some time for it to shake out and settle. Sadness and depression I think are a natural part of it. However there are some things to be considered. You could try an antidepressant and quit if you're hair thins more. ( I don't think thinning is a common problem with antidepressants) I mean, what if it didn't?? After all you've been through I hate to see you so down and out. So here are a couple of other things to think about. Exercise releases endorphins that elevate your mood and meditation helps as well. Staying away from simple carbs might help too. The sugar boost creates the insulin that can bring you down.

    Perhaps you have been short on hugs lately. We would all be so happy to send you tons :)

    One thing we can depend on in this life and that is "nothing stays the same". So the crap we are living won't last forever. Just remember these words so you can send them back to me when I go through it OK?

    Hugs
    jan
  • djteach
    djteach Member Posts: 273
    #8
    Hi Ohilly,
    There is nothing
    Hi Ohilly,
    There is nothing wrong with you. Anytime, one of our hormones is off, it effects the body. Estrogen reduces the chemical in the brain that helps control endorphins and several others. I know it can be hard to find the right anti-depressant but don't give up the fight, please. Keep trying and one of them will make that horrible fog lift. That's what I call it cause that's how I feel w/o meds. There is something wrong with your body, but you are fine. I know it doesn't feel that way now.

    Lynn, don't you give up either, there are better days ahead and you will be able to see them through your "old eyes", the ones that don't have the fog.

    Love and gentle hugs,
    Donna
  • deborahcc
    deborahcc Member Posts: 4
    #9
    ohilly said:

    thank you
    Thank you all for your comments. I do not know what is wrong with me: I wake up depressed and go to sleep depressed. Yes, a lot happened to me in the past year (cancer myself, death of my mother, son got glaucoma, and marriage problems) but everything has settled out and is stable now. I cry for no reason at all. I feel like I am caught in a loop: I have to take the AIs to prevent recurrence (and am too afraid not to), I am afraid to take anti-depressants because according to the research I have done they all list hair loss as a side effect and I can't deal with any more hair loss, etc.

    Besides anti-depressants, what are some natural ways others have dealt with depression?

    Hugs,

    Ohilly

    Dear
    Dear Ohilly,
    Anti-depressants have helped me through some rough times in my life these past two years. Major events, good and bad cause stress, stress causes increased levels of cortisol (stress hormones)and that can lead to a whole host of medical problems. Anti-depressants can help decrease your cortisol levels and help you deal with the many challenging events you may be dealing with now. Talk to your doctor about the many choices that are available, educate yourself about them and don't be affraid to give it a try. You don't have to be on them forever, just to get you through the rough times. I take Lexapro. No side effects for me.
    Debbie
  • Jeanne D
    Jeanne D Member Posts: 1,867
    #10
    You probably should talk to
    You probably should talk to your doctor. They can guide you better than anyone else inre to what you should do or what medicine's you might consider taking. I wish you the best!
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #11
    djteach said:

    Hi Ohilly,
    There is nothing
    Hi Ohilly,
    There is nothing wrong with you. Anytime, one of our hormones is off, it effects the body. Estrogen reduces the chemical in the brain that helps control endorphins and several others. I know it can be hard to find the right anti-depressant but don't give up the fight, please. Keep trying and one of them will make that horrible fog lift. That's what I call it cause that's how I feel w/o meds. There is something wrong with your body, but you are fine. I know it doesn't feel that way now.

    Lynn, don't you give up either, there are better days ahead and you will be able to see them through your "old eyes", the ones that don't have the fog.

    Love and gentle hugs,
    Donna

    Thanks, Donna
    This has been a rough year, and I am so lethargic and sick at heart. I keep thinking something will work (meds, meditation, prayer) and I try to keep busy (which helps),but the right formula has not been found. It is so crazy. I live in a beautiful part of the country and my family and friends are great. It's just me. I appreciate the words of encouragement. So many, stronger than I, have travelled this road and made it. Lynn
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #12
    I don't believe in taking
    I don't believe in or trust antidepressants, but, that might be something you might want to consider Ohilly. And, I have never heard of hair thinning as a side effect to them, but, it might be. I don't know. We have all been thru so much that not feeling "happy" is very normal and very common. I find that keeping busy is a great thing for me. I am busy with my family, my friends, I workout, work outside, do lots of things to keep my mind busy. I also do things that make me happy, which might be as simple as having a long lunch with a girlfriend, or, taking a nap on the porch, just whatever. You might also seek spiritual help. I know that the Father at our church has been very helpful to me. Just do things that you love to do or love to see. Try to keep busy, surround yourself with things or people that make you happy. And, probably talk to your oncologist.
  • bfbear
    bfbear Member Posts: 380
    #13
    Jeanne D said:

    You probably should talk to
    You probably should talk to your doctor. They can guide you better than anyone else inre to what you should do or what medicine's you might consider taking. I wish you the best!

    Hi Ohilly,

    I've taken antidepressants for a long time (formerly Prozac, and now the generic of Lexapro, Citalopram).
    I have never had a problem with hair thinning.
    I do consider these medications responsible for saving my life --without them, I would most likely have committed suicide many years ago.

    Talk to your doctor and do whatever you need to get through the rough times and beyond. Try whatever he/she suggests...it's worth it. Brain chemistry research is coming up with more info every year, and sometimes we cannot create the chemicals we need in order to feel better and it's nothing we're responsible for, any more than we were responsible for our cancers....

    Stay strong, friend.

    Love & gentle hugs,
    Debi
  • Jeanne D
    Jeanne D Member Posts: 1,867
    #14
    bfbear said:

    Hi Ohilly,

    I've taken antidepressants for a long time (formerly Prozac, and now the generic of Lexapro, Citalopram).
    I have never had a problem with hair thinning.
    I do consider these medications responsible for saving my life --without them, I would most likely have committed suicide many years ago.

    Talk to your doctor and do whatever you need to get through the rough times and beyond. Try whatever he/she suggests...it's worth it. Brain chemistry research is coming up with more info every year, and sometimes we cannot create the chemicals we need in order to feel better and it's nothing we're responsible for, any more than we were responsible for our cancers....

    Stay strong, friend.

    Love & gentle hugs,
    Debi

    I hope you get some help
    I hope you get some help Ohilly. It isn't right or fair that you have to be depressed. Be sure and call and talk to your doctor. Hopefully, they can prescribe something for you to help you. Good luck hon!
  • djteach
    djteach Member Posts: 273
    #15
    Kristin N said:

    Google it
    I googled " can lack of estrogen cause depression" and a million sites came up. The consensus is yes, low estrogen can cause depression and anxiety. But unfortunately, we bc survivors cannot take hormone replacement therapy. So, your only alternative would be to take antidepressants I guess. I, personally, don't believe in antidepressants, but, I know a lot of people that take them. I just don't want something that alters or changes my brain or my thinking. But, I know they help a lot of people. So, that might be a choice for you.

    I want to let you know that
    I want to let you know that antidepressants do not alter the brain except to restore balance to a chemical in our brain that can become so dangerously low that people may attempt suicide. It unlocks the endorphins and brings that level up to out normal state so that people can feel all of their emotions the way everybody else does. I know some people call it the happy pill. I don't feel happy all the time when I'm on my antidepressants. I feel normal I can feel and express my emotions in my usual, normal way instead of swinging from one end of the bell curve to the other. You are not crazy if you take antidepressants. If you need them and don't take them, then you might get crazy. I know it is a personal choice and I respect not only you Kristin, but the choices that you have made. I truly hope that everything works out for you.

    Love and gentle hugs,
    Donna

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