Mental health issues and hormones: with psychiatrist Dr Louisa James | The Dr Louise Newson Podcast

[@nicolemerz1731]

Thank you, Dr Louise, for being so open about your own struggles - this just helps so many women. And thank you once again for the hard work (but also love and empathy) you put into the world - listening to your podcasts empowered me to get HRT at 53 (took me 4 different doctors to convince and still cannot get my current one to allow me a trial of testosterone). My life is so much better with my hormones back on board and I am so thankful to you 🙏🙏🙏. Still I'm frustrated because I talk with so many suffering women here in Germany whom I cannot convince of trying out HRT because they are simply scared of breast cancer. It's hard to accept because there isn't enough access to latest research to prove how beneficial and protective MODERN BODYIDENTICAL hormones are... But i will keep on fighting to spread the word wherever and whenever I can 💪. Best wishes from Germany 🇩🇪 P.S. Would it be possible to get Dr Corrine Menn for a conversation - she is an ALLOY breast cancer survivor...

[@adelemiles3612]

I am from Germany to and have the same experience. I am so grateful for Dr. Luise Newson, I have learnt so much about HRT and I am at last on a high dose of Estrogen for mental health issues in the perimenopause and feeling better. My gynocologist is pathetic, she wants me to be on the lowest dose of estrogen Gel but I get my HRT, so I keep quiet. I have got far more knowledge than she has. I will have to.look for a new doctor in 2 yrs., because she will only priscribe me HRT for 5 yrs. It's a damm shame seeing friends suffering, but they think I am the crazy one for taking HRT😅.

[@Hollowmoon007]

Amazing conversation. As a licensed mental health therapist in California, you have given me much to consider about when working with clients, as well as for myself. I’m not able to tell clients to specifically seek out hormone therapy, but it’s obviously important to refer people to appropriate services!

[@kychpal6236]

Totally agree with you. I could not sleep, therefore was not getting REM sleep and was starting to get delusional. This was 11 years ago I was 51 classic age. My instinct was that it was something chemical that had altered in my body. Dr offered me diazepam, sleeping tablets. I did not want to take them. I asked for HRT he discouraged that, but because I insisted because I have bone issues, I was given the patches. I felt immediate relief. Still on the gel. It makes me wonder about my mother who had serious mental health issues.

[@nicolemerz1731]

Good, that you still had the power to fight for yourself 💪💪💪🤗🤗🤗 And thank you for sharing your story to support and empower other women ❤️ Best wishes to you from Germany 🇩🇪

[@ConservativeDreadhead]

I apologize for claiming my doctors are potentially incompetent, but i am coming out of the most difficult season of my life. Not to mention friends had family all "suddenly" have PHDs (opinions based on zero medical backgrounds) on mental health. I have experienced everything you have talked about and i tried to tell my doctors that all my diagnoses didn't seem right. No medication for "mental illness" ever helped. It kept me practically in a coma, but they expected me to function. The best one yet from doctors and everyone i ever crossed paths with is "relax, be mindful, breathe.. " 🙄

[@everhappy6312]

Amazing discussion ❤. Thank you so much!!

[@Sillysausage17]

This is my biggest symptom 😢

[@ConservativeDreadhead]

Do psychiatrists meet the standard of care (US) by only treating mental health, but never addressing perimenopause or hormonal imbalances in spite of me being in my 40s and experiencing extremely irregular menstrual cycles? I was in 9 hospitals, Mental health facilities in 3 yrs with no prior Mental health issues. I was diagnosed with Psychosis, schizophrenia, schizo-affective, bipolar, depressive disorder and not a single physician ever considered hormonal imbalance (even separate from my mental state). I was forced into mental hospitals and court ordered to stay on medication for a year (never helped). I was suicidal, catatonic, and only recently found out i am post menopause at 50 yrs old through my GP. Do my doctors have any responsibility to address hormonal issues or did i just lose 7-8 years of my life to incompetence? Thank you for addressing this issue.

[@deel2435]

I appreciate all the work you do. Could I ask that you look at the role of oxytocin in menopausal women? It decreases significantly with age and is an important peptide/hormone for conceiving, childbirth, lactation let alone bonding and pain reduction. It's a very interesting peptide that's often overlooked. It's my belief that women going through menopause may be experiencing a significant drop in oxytocin and this explains some of the symptoms such as but not limited to: Increase in pain/reduced pain tolerance, changes in heat/cold tolerance, mood changes (compounded of course by other changes during menopause) as well as many symptoms. Take care.

[@gosiakidd5646]

As a patient, I do think holistically about my health. However, due to time constraints placed upon GPs the issues I present with aren't seen this way. Im asked to make a separate appointment about every one of them whereas my instinct tells me they are connected.

[@anatino]

Can HRT be taken while on benzodiazepine?

[@kr1221E]

Yes, I take them and am on progesterone and oestrogen.