how can I tell the difference? - Menopause Message Board

USgirl · 04-22-2008, 08:23 PM

I've been dealing with depression and anxiety/ bi-polar for years, whats the difference with menopause? I'm noticing the symtems are kinda the same. My other systems are a couple of hot flashes, grumpy, low sex drive. I went to the doctors today and they are checking my hormone levels. No energy is also a big one! along with vaginal dryness and forgetfulness. Will the hormone test tell the difference? I sure hope so, it's driving me crazy!!!!!!!!

Happy Days · 04-22-2008, 09:41 PM

Sounds like you could be experiencing symptoms of menopause. I had a hysterectomy over 10 years ago but still have my ovaries so I really could not gauge menopause based on a period. I started having back to back hot flashes, night sweats, and waking up all times of the night along with nausea. Like you, I have dealt with depression and anxiety for years. My doctor was able to give me a test which calculates the level of my hormones, in particular estrogen. If the numbers are at a level lower than normal, the doctor can then diagnose you with menopause. There are various treatments but I decided to go with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) because I was in bad shape. It has been a month now and I am feeling much better.

It is really hard to tell especially with depression, bi-polar, and anxiety. I do believe a lot of times for women, part of our mental illness may just be related to hormone levels but rarely do doctors, especially psychiatrist, check our hormone levels.

USgirl · 04-24-2008, 04:17 PM

Dear Happy Days,

Well I went to the doctors and she tested my hormone levels and they came back fine! so what does that mean now? I'm nuts?!! I certainely feel that way!!! I might go back and tell her exactly what I feel, I'll make a list, which I do often because of my memory! I think I have to remind myself to take one thing at a time, and I need to concentrate on my fioricet use. I think ( I know) thats the problem! I need to reach my breaking point and hopefully I'll be ok, but I'm going to keep trying!!! thank you for responding!!!!!!

AnnD · 04-24-2008, 04:26 PM

It is very difficult to distinguish one thing from the other for me as well. I have menopause which also blends in with two other of my diagnosis. I gave up trying to figure out one from the other because the bottom line is it didn't matter I just treat the symptoms of what was going on and of course you also need aid of blood testing which gives you an idea how to treat with medicines but otherwise other things are impossible to know. I never know if the heat waves are coming from the menopause or my thyroid medicines needs adjusting or the pain is from arthritis or Fibo????. Good luck...you get better at it as time goes on...keep a sense of humor it will be all that gets you through some days.

USgirl · 04-28-2008, 07:03 AM

Dear annd
I think I know my problem, well I do know my problem, I'm a addict -different message board I know- which I visit alot and its great, I get alot of support!!! I'll just have to deal with what nature gives me!! thank you for your reply!!