Posted by SLS on April 3, 2002, at 12:12:21
In reply to Kramer - Bipolar, Oophorectomy and PMDD, posted by Chris A. on April 3, 2002, at 0:38:38
> Thanks in advance. Is an oophorectomy a reasonable choice for perimenopausal bipolar women whose mood symptoms are exaccerbated by hormonal shifts? The objective would be to be on steady HRT. We have tried many other options in the hormonal/BC category, including Yasmin. SSRIs cause my bipolar to cycle markedly, so they are not an option.
> The surgery is scheduled for Monday, but I'm still considering chickening out.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Chris A.
Hi Chris.I'm sorry that things have come to this for you. Is it the drop of estrogen at the end of the cycle that is responsible for the mood fluctuations or is it progesterone? What are the mechanisms involved in the mood disturbanced being disrupted by your menstrual cycle. Are you a rapid cycler? I forget.
How did you respond to Yasmin?
I probably shouldn't be doing this to you with your surgery so close, but I did have a thought.
I am guessing that DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) can sometimes act as a buffer to offset fluctuations in estrogen. It is best used in combination with pregnenolone. Both are available at "health" food stores and the like.
Not for any reason in particular, but is there any history of endometriosis in your family?
How confident are you and your doctor that an oophorectomy will help? Isn't there a way to shut down the ovaries pharmacologically first to see if the surgery would help? I guess you and your doctor have explored these questions already. Do you know of anyone for whom this worked? I guess it makes sense anyway since you are perimenopausal.
How will you manage your female hormones after surgery?
I'm praying for you.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:101606
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020402/msgs/101688.html