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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Abby on May 9, 2000, at 23:21:37
I suffer from something which might be considered seasonal affective disorder. It isn't classic, because it wouldn't resolve completely on its own in summer. I wondered whether anyone took more AD, particularly SSRIs, in winter than summer.
My pattern is a little off. Usually, I experience an uptick in January. I think this is because January is the sunniest of the winter months in New England, and by mid January the days are starting to get longer. In my case I think the direction of the change in light levels is almost as important as the total amount of light.
I also have possible hypothyroid symptoms--low body temperature, cold hands and feet, dizziness, and brain fog.
Spring---70 degrees and dry is perfect. Beyond that I feel rotten. I look at the thyroid symptoms, and I wonder whether it could be that, though it seems unlikely. Sometimes I feel the way hypothyroid people are supposed to, and other times hyperthyroid. Noa, do you try to keep a consistent dose of thyroid hormones or do you adjust it for different times of the year, month etc.?
I'd be very interested to learn what else your endocrinologist says, particularly about adrenal hyperplasia. I don't want to seek a consult on my own until I'm better informed. Thanks everybody.
Abby
Posted by Sherry on May 10, 2000, at 4:54:20
In reply to Seasonal Dosing---thoughts on ADs and endocrine, posted by Abby on May 9, 2000, at 23:21:37
Abbey,
You may want to look take a look at cushing's syndrome. I have not responded to any AD's,and I knew there had to be something else wrong. Low and behold, even my doctor thinks I may have it. My most troubling symptom is brain fog, and I too, alternate from sluggish to revved. It is rare though. Just a thought.
Posted by Noa on May 13, 2000, at 13:35:22
In reply to Re: Seasonal Dosing---thoughts on ADs and endocrine, posted by Sherry on May 10, 2000, at 4:54:20
Abby,
The symptoms you mention do sound consistent with hypothyroid. I don't know how unstable and fluctuating thyroid can be, but it does seem possible. I believe it is also possible that for some people, even the tiniest increase or decrease in thyroid functioning can cause significant changes in how you feel.
I would definitely see an endocrinologist and look into it. If thyroid is a problem, get it balanced. Then, see if your depression follows the same patterns.
Yes, I take the same doses of cytomel and synthroid every day. However, I need to get my levels checked every six weeks. I imagine if I felt some hyperthyroid symptoms and my test numbers confirmed it, I would adjust the dose. And I imagine it is possible that some people have to adjust up and down at points in the year. I don't know, though.
I will also be tested for Cushings in addition to the adrenal hyperplasia. Apparently congenital adrenal hyperplasia, at least the type I will be tested for, is thought to be the most commonly occuring genetic disorder in humans (there is a rarer and far more serious type that is obvious from birth and causes ambiguous genitalia and can cause inability to retain salt, which can, of course, lead to death within the first month of life, if not treated).
Another thought---I suppose you could adjust AD doses by season, but it might help to just add a stimulant during the low seasons.
This is the end of the thread.
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