Is depression normal with an ovary removal and endometriosis/PMMDD?

[lizzy_beth]

I do naturally suffer from anxiety and depression, but it was well treated with medication. On Thursday, I had a large cyst removed, along with my right ovary, and surgery to "scrape out" the endometriosis. I actually thought this would be a relief because most of my depressive symptoms came prior and during my period. I've been anti-depressants for years, but this is so different. I just feel hopeless and empty. I'm 37 and had resigned myself to fact that I wouldn't have children, so I'm not mourning the loss - I did that a long time ago. I just expected to feel better emotionally since two weeks of every month I'm such a mess from PMDD. Now I just feel completely lost, empty, angry and hopeless, and I can't tie it to anything specific. Is this "normal" post-op? Also, my Dr. wants to put me on birth control and completely stop my cycle for a while. Has this been successful for any one else with PMDD?

[specialmom]

Ahh, I'm really sorry you are going through a tough time.  So, absolutely this procedure and losing an ovary can swing your hormones.  If you have mood changes and depression increases with hormones, they'll certainly be affected by this now.  And in a significant way.  And while you knew perhaps that this was coming or you'd resigned yourself that you wouldn't have kids, the finality of losing an ovary and the limiting affect that has on conception and motherhood is going to still impact you.  That is a loss that you may have known but it just happened officially.  It may be affecting you more than you think.  (and we can tak about paths to motherhood you can take later if that is something you desire . . .).  Talk to your doctor that treats your PMDD.  You may be having an acute surge that needs to be medically addressed or they may have some reassurance for you that this is part of the recent procedure you went through.  Please hang in there.  It WILL get better sweetie.