Posted by nmk on March 23, 2004, at 15:33:03
In reply to Re: antipsycotics for womens probs, in bipolar, posted by judy1 on March 22, 2004, at 17:27:18
> I'm in my 30s (definitely not perimenopausal) and have had horrible problems with PMS. Since I have BP 1, APs have been a big part of my treatment- but I refuse to take them longer than any symptoms of psychosis last. Mainly because after years of typical and atypical APs I have too many side-effects, and my neurological health is too important to me. Also I think I would have noticed an effect (whether negative or positive) on my PMS by now- there has been none. I have seen my fertility doc (an endocrinologist) about this, and after a bunch of tests he has tailored a regimen of hormones (specific doses of estrogen-different forms)- and some other hormones that I take during the 2 weeks before my period is due. I have noticed a tremendous difference, basically I have no symptoms now. It makes a lot more sense to me to see someone who is knowledgeable about hormones and can work with you rather than take a psychiatric drug from a shrink who probably has less knowledge than you about your cycle- and especially APs- please! sorry, I just feel really strongly about this subject. I hope you have an endocrinologist available in your area.
> take care, judy
Hi Judy,Your post brought me some hope and I hope I can pick your brain a bit. My moods cycle typically a week before my period and during this time, I have trouble sleeping, am irritable and anxious. Please, please, please tell me what type of hormones you are taking and the dosages. Also, what symptoms have the hormones relieved for you? Are you on any other meds and if so, were you able to decrease the dose when you added on the hormones?
I am seeing both my OB and my pdoc this week and want to discuss the idea of taking hormones the week before my period. I have tried the pill which sent me into a horrible depression so that is out of the question. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Nicole
poster:nmk
thread:326362
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040319/msgs/327441.html