WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for April, 1997: Re: antidepressants effect on estrogen levels

Re: antidepressants effect on estrogen levels

From: Susan (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 30 Apr 1997 12:49:53 -0500 (CDT)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: anonymous@obgyn.net: "infertility web page"
Previous message: Mary: "e-mail address correction"
In reply to: j: "antidepressants effect on estrogen levels"

At Tue, 29 Apr 1997, j wrote: >
>I'm looking for information regarding depletion effects of
>antidepressants on hormone levels. Specifically concerned with effects
>of 80 mg fluoxetine on Estracomb therapy.

Dear J.,

I don't know of any research that directly addresses the issue of Prozac (flouoxetine) and estrogen levels, but here's what I do know and some places for you to look.

The chemicals in your brain that are usually associated with depression, Seratonin, Dopamine, and Norepinephrin, are affected by Prozac, which is classified as a Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SRI). These chemicals have a profound effect on a person's mood and general wellness, and are naturally produced by the body. Exercise, healthy eating, stress reduction, and being generally healthy can help assure adequate levels of these chemicals and a reduction in depressive symptoms. Of course, psychological counseling of a cognitive-behavioral nature can be immensely helpful in identifying and managing unhealthy behaviors and benefit depressed people greatly.

Menopausal changes are also linked with depression. It seems that the reduction in estrogen and progesterone due have an effect on a woman's mood and feelings of well-being. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for post- or peri-menopausal women often alleviates depressive symptoms.

Bottom line here is that science only knows so much about these things for sure right now. We have to use this knowledge in combination with our individual circumstances and instincts to develop a "get-well" plan for ourselves. While many doctors and scientists may disagree with me, I don't think we need a 20 year controlled clinical trial to take action and find answers for ourselves. We can experiment with what is known and what is hypothesized to find something that works for us.

If you are not in therapy, I recommend you consider it as one approach to wellness. If you want to do more research, the following may be helpful:

Menopause & Midlife Health, Notelovitz and Tonnessen, New York: St. Martin's Press, 1993. Hysterectomy: Before and After, Cutler, New York: Harper Collins, 1988. (Don't let the title scare you here - Dr. Cutler has done extensive research about hormone isues and their effects - many answers here!) Ten Days to Self Esteem, Burns, New York: WIlliam Morrow, 1993

Ther are several good books on the shelves of Barnes & Noble and Waldenbooks these days about Prozac and other SRI's. I have glanced through them, but do not recall the titles. THey may provide insight into your therapy for depression.

You can also visit MEDSCAPE, a medical clearinghouse on-line that has many journal extracts and articles on new research for you to query. These articles are in medical--ese, so you may want help in deciphering them. THey are at http://www.medscape.com, and you will have to register (but it's free!)

Good Luck!

--
Susan Boyles

Next message: anonymous@obgyn.net: "infertility web page"
Previous message: Mary: "e-mail address correction"
In reply to: j: "antidepressants effect on estrogen levels"

Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: