Posted by SLS on October 6, 2001, at 18:44:49
In reply to Levonorgestrel IUD (LNG-20) and depression, posted by AnneL on October 5, 2001, at 23:37:22
> I have been diagnosed with Major Depression and have been on Effexor XR with pretty good results. I also have been diagnosed with adenomyosis and in the hopes of avoiding a hysterectomy at age 41, my GYN suggested I try the now available "Mirena" IUD which releases approximately 20 mcg. of the hormone Levonorgestrel daily.
>
> My mood has markedly been more depressed since the IUD was placed, but I am reluctant to give it up because it has stopped the excessive bleeding. Is there anything I can do to counteract the effects of the progestin Levonorgestrel which I understand is a fairly androgenic synthetic hormone? The blood levels are supposedly very, very small in comparison with those found in combination Pills. I am on Effexor XR
> 225 mg. which was helping considerably. I am now back in the dumps so to speak. I would appreciate anyone's thoughts on the subject. I really don't want to have surgery at my age. Thanks Anne
Hi Anne.Synthetic progesterones - progestogens - are known to cause depression. I think the first thing that makes sense is to increase the Effexor to 300mg. This is generally accepted to be the minimum dosage that assures that one is getting full benefit
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:80411
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010927/msgs/80474.html