I read this article with interest.
In 2005, after suffering with moderate to severe depression and ADHD-like symptoms for three years, I began to investigate the effects of DES on the male fetus. Traditional antidepressants had not alleviated the problem completely, and Strattera only worked part of the time on the ADHD symptoms. (My mother had taken DES while pregnant with me.)
I became convinced that my problem was on the "supply" side - the hypothalamus - rather than the "distribution" side that traditional medications treat. I felt that my hypothalamus was "whacked" - it was looking for estrogen in order to manufacture dopamine and norepinephrine, instead of testosterone like most males. After a several week search, I finally found a physician willing to start me on a low dose of Premarin as a test.
The effects were virtually immediate. Within a few days, I could concentrate again for the first time in five years. My depression began to lift.
In the three years since, in order to test the validity of the "diagnosis", I tried going off estradiol - twice. I quickly returned to my previous state - not a pleasant way to test my theory, but a valid one, especially since the tests were a year apart.
If I decide not to finish transition, I know that I'll still have to be on estradiol the rest of my life. My hypothalamus demands it.
Carol
