Surgical Menopause and Depression - Menopause Message Board

Jos1e1 · 02-28-2006, 09:15 PM

Can't shake the depression that followed my hysterectomyI had a hysterectomy about 15 months ago. The surgery went well. There was a problem in finding the best HRT for me but eventually Estratest semed to agree with me. Approximately 2 months after surgery, I was hit with depression that caused me to have 2 emotional states- I was either sobbing or lashing out at my husband. After talking with my dr, I went on Zoloft (50 mg). It helped over time. The last few months have been terrible as I just feel numb and everything is a struggle for me. My dr. increased the zoloft to 100 mg but I feel that I am spiraling out of control. I can't get anything accomplished, I have lost interest in almost everything that I ever enjoyed and I have let myself go. I use to love yoga and the treadmill but I can't muster interest in either and as a result I have put on about 15 pounds. Is there anyone out there who has had a similar situation? How did you go about returning to your "old" self?

Belle2003 · 03-03-2006, 01:06 AM

I think many people can relate to your problem and they didn't even have a hysterectomy. Some people even have this happen after they have a baby.

Have you tried writing on the depression section of the message boards? You may get suggestions from others who have used zoloft and found that it did not help them either. I would think that if the zoloft is not helping that your doctor would try a different medication. Not everyone responds the same to all medications. I have heard of people having to try several anti-depressants before they found the right one for them.

Have you tried bioidentical hormones? They are supposed to be just like your own bodies hormones and have less side effects.

Well I hope you contact the people on the depression message boards and tell them your situation. Then I hope you tell your doctor how the Zoloft is not working for you and what other medication is there that you could try.

Don't give up. I know people who found the right medication (celexa) and they couldn't believe the difference it made in their life.