Hi,I am Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (Psychiatrist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Suffering With Depression. Had Low Vitamin D Level. Blood Test Normal. Is It Hormonal Imbalance?
Hi. I have suspected hypothyroidism (my doctor said he did a general blood test and it was fine but I don t think he actually checked thyroid hormone levels) and have suffered with major depression on and off (I used to take sertraline and then came off it). I have suspected PMDD too as every month just before my period I get very bad symptoms including sucidal thoughts. When I tried the pill to regulate my periods it made me very (more) depressed. I had quite low vitamin d levels a few months ago but I think they ve improved now. What can I do to get my doctor to take me seriously and find out what my hormones are like so I can make sure they are balanced?
Hello Kiseki
Thanks for your question
First of all I would like to advise you to check clinically that whether you are having hypothyroidism, as it is a very common co-morbid condition with depression. Check if you are having intolerance to cold, dry skin, decreased sweating, poor appetite, weight gain, oligomenorrhea etc.
Secondly you can visit any good lab and get you Thyroid Function Tests done (T3/T4/TSH)
Usually in hypothyroidism in early stages TSH levels are in higher range and T3/T4 levels either normal or decreased.
Secondly get your Vitamin B12 and Folate levels checked as low Vit b12 ( Vitamin D levels of yours are presently in normal range so you need not to worry.
So as per my advise continue taking good antidepressant line Sertaline for long to increase the period of normality in between episodes. Thyrodi supplementation like Eltroxin in lower doses always improve symptomatology. Vit B complex capsules are also very beneficial.
So first of all ask you attending doctor for reports of your thyroid and Vitamin B12 levels and then you can ask him to modify or add new medicines.
Thanks
hope I cleared your doubt
kindly rate
I find this answer helpful
2 Doctors agree with this answer
You found this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Suffering With Depression. Had Low Vitamin D Level. Blood Test Normal. Is It Hormonal Imbalance?
Hello Kiseki Thanks for your question First of all I would like to advise you to check clinically that whether you are having hypothyroidism, as it is a very common co-morbid condition with depression. Check if you are having intolerance to cold, dry skin, decreased sweating, poor appetite, weight gain, oligomenorrhea etc. Secondly you can visit any good lab and get you Thyroid Function Tests done (T3/T4/TSH) Usually in hypothyroidism in early stages TSH levels are in higher range and T3/T4 levels either normal or decreased. Secondly get your Vitamin B12 and Folate levels checked as low Vit b12 ( Vitamin D levels of yours are presently in normal range so you need not to worry. So as per my advise continue taking good antidepressant line Sertaline for long to increase the period of normality in between episodes. Thyrodi supplementation like Eltroxin in lower doses always improve symptomatology. Vit B complex capsules are also very beneficial. So first of all ask you attending doctor for reports of your thyroid and Vitamin B12 levels and then you can ask him to modify or add new medicines. Thanks hope I cleared your doubt kindly rate