Depress, Menopause, Thyroid Hep C

I stopped using drugs and alcohol 2 years ago after almost 40 years of abuse. In addition to Hep C I also have an elevated RA factor, extreme exhaustion and depression. Finally, I think my doctors have adjusted my meds so that I no longer sleep 10 to 11 hours per night and take a 2 hour nap every day. I have actually begun to feel normal and I am able to work, exercise and enjoy life! I have been put on Armor Thyroid 60 mg QD, Pristique 50 mg. QD, Bupioprion 300mg XL and numerous vitamins and suppliments. The suppliments and the Bupriopo=ion didn't see to do much for me (I have been on them for about 1 year) but the combination of thye Thyroid and Pristique anti-depressant have worked a miracle. My problem, however, is that I get extremely hot and sweaty -- to the point where I want to rip off my clothes and stand in a cold shower -- and at times very irritable. I have lived in Hawaii for 23 years and never had problems with the heat before I entered menopause (I am post menopausal, age 55). Now I have to sit in front of an air conditioner when the sun is shining outside and I can't exercise of go out into the sun. My skin feels prickly when I do so. I am pretty sure that these symptoms are related to the meds, but I don't want to stop taking them because I finally feel alive after two years of extreme fatigue. Oh, I forgot to add that I experience really bad underarm odor despite the fact that I show and wash several times a day. I am also taking DHEA 25 - 50 mg. and have been on this for the past 2 years. Could the DHEA have something to do with it also?

[dawnangela]

Hi i have thyroid issues as well, are you having regular bloods to see if your levels are right, i was always very hot and sweating when i need to have meds adjusted.. Just a thought...Dawn

[MrsMacDugle]

As our bodies ween themselves off the hormones that began our womanhood.  Our body & brain are in constant upheaval.  Can you remember back to how it was when you 1st began to have the increase of the hormone levels into your body.  How moody you may have become, & other side effects of the influx.  Well now your body is having the exact opposite happen, the hormone levels are dropping off again & eventually your body will be back to a preteen/teen premenstrual woman but still a woman none the less completely postmenapausal.  No more night sweats, mood swings, try some of the items that you did while you were a teen to get through the moodiness.  I loved chocolate myself so I gave myself chocolate anytime I was feeling my mood was about to shift out of control.  

I know what some of your medications are used for but I'm not familiar with DHEA.  Now as for the Pristique since it is a off shoot of what I take which is Effexor XR you are recommended to not go out into the sun without a good sunscreen.  As your skin is more sensitive to the sun now.

I will continue to lift you up in prayer as you try to make some more adjustments to your new life.