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Depression and weight gain

by Donna
(Harrisburg PA)

I am 56 years old, I got my period at an early age and went through menopause at the age of 42. I have always fought depression, mostly seasonal effective disorder, however once I hit menopause it got worse and every year I get heavier. 3 years ago, I had ovarian cancer, without any symptoms. I had started the hcg diet and it caused me to have a period for the first time in 11 years. I ended up going to the ER and that's when they found I had a mass so big they could not see my ovary. Long story short, I had total hysterectomy and chemo. Since then, my depression is worse, I have gained another 40 pounds and I am beside myself with not knowing what to do! I looked up bioidentical hormones after reading Suzanne Somers books and 4 others on hormones. I can't seem to find anyone in my area to help me but was told that I was estrogen dominant due to early heavy period,dense breasts.

I bought your product and have been using it for a week. So far, nothing has happened but I was writing to ask if 1/2 tsp a day was ok for me? I am at my wits end, trying so many antidepresssants and with no success...just made me drowsy.

Any suggestions from you would be greatly appreciated to help with depression and weight. Thank you!

Comments for Depression and weight gain

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Nov 25, 2011
 Depression and weight gain
by: Wray

Hi Donna I wish progesterone was an instant cure, but it isn't. It can take 3-6 months to work in some women. 1/2 tsp of Natpro will only give you 83mg/day progesterone, which I don't believe is anywhere near enough for you. I normally recommend 100-200mg/day, although I feel you could do with the higher amount to begin with, possibly more. We do have more info on our Menopause page. To reassure you progesterone is safe having had cancer, please see our page on Cancer and progesterone. I think your main problem is not so much a progesterone one, but lack of vitamin D, please have a test done. SAD, weight gain and cancer are all indications it's far too low. Plus a lack of vitamin D reduces the benefits of progesterone. Progesterone does help with all the above symptoms too. For more info on testing etc see the Vitamin D Council, GrassrootsHealth Birmingham Hospital and Vitamin D Links websites. Blood levels should be 70-100ng/ml or 175-250nmol/L and not the 30ng/ml or 75nmol/L most labs and doctors regard as adequate. And the minimum daily dose should be 5000iu's per day, although the latest research indicates it should be 10,000iu's per day, see here. This is an excellent video to watch too, see here. At latitudes above 37 degrees N or S, from about mid-October to mid-March the solar angle is such that no vitamin D is converted in the skin. Pennsylvania lies 39-42 degrees north. Finally we do have a page on Anxiety which gives a list of nutrients which help. Take care Wray

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