Posted by Chloe on October 7, 2001, at 19:53:38
In reply to Re: Levonorgestrel IUD (LNG-20) and depression » AnneL, posted by SLS on October 7, 2001, at 9:13:14
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> Regarding progestins, I have encountered plenty of stuff in the literature to lead me to believe that they can indeed be depressogenic for some people. In fact, they might even have some potential as anti-manic agents. I have even read some suggestions that progesterone exert mood-stabilizing effects. Estrogen increases the excitability of neurons in certain areas of the brain (I don't remember which), and acts as a mild MAO inhibitor. By contrast, progesterone does exactly the opposite in both regards.
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> It is my impression that *natural* progesterone is less likely to induce depression than the synthetic progestins. Is there such a thing as equine progesterone? Would using a small amount of systemic estrogen reduce the effectiveness of the IUD? It might offset it with respect to mood.
Scott,
This is very interesting to me at the moment. I am going to the gyn this week to discuss changing my BC pill. I have never been able to tolerate estrogen in the combo pills, so years ago I was put on micronor, as low dose progestin pill that I take every day, even while I have my period. However, on this type of pills, cycles are known to be irregular, and lately, I have been getting 2 periods a month, with pms, cramps etc.So I want to try a combo pill because they make the cycles regular and predictable. Which I need now. But the estrogen always seems to make me a little paranoid and irritable. I am not sure if when i tried these combo pills years ago, if I was on a mood stabilizer like I am now...So, I want to give them a retry. Though I wish I knew what was the best combo for depression. Do you have any insight on this? You seem to know a great deal in this area, for someone who does not take these substances.
One last thing, the hardest part of the combo pills for me is the 3 weeks of hormones, and then one week off, to start the period. This is when I get SO depressed. I become inconsolable. So I am hoping my gyn will be progressive enough to let me take three month in a row with no break, and only have a period 3 or 4 times a year. May just be wishful thinking on my part.
Any insight appreciated. Does it matter if it's synthetic vs. natural hormone? I have tried life without hormones, and the pms is unbearable, unfortunately. I hate all these pills...
I'll stop now! Thanks
Chloe
poster:Chloe
thread:80411
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011007/msgs/80580.html