Yes, although I've always suffered on and off with depression , when I hit the menopause the depression went nuclear. Awful. And my doctor wouldn't give me the patch either. Ten years on and I still get the odd attack of flushing and sweating...

I find my meds work well except when there are external pressures. I keep my circle small and lead a quieter life now with my animals as they put me at ease and help me to relax and bring me into a good space. I also colour in
( as colouring quietens my racing
thoughts ) I also try to go outside ( if I can that day) and take a slow relaxing walk as this eases my anxiety. I still struggle everyday though and I just do my best. If I have a Bad Day, I dont fight it anymore, I go with the feelings and I try to focus on me & I take extra care of myself on those days. I try to eat well too as food improves my mood.

Yes I believe that hormones play a very active part in mental illness and in my experience can affect the way your medication works. This is my opinion and not scientific proof My advice is to talk with your own GP build a trust relationship with them tell them your concerns, GP's can still learn and I believe we are the experts on our individual illnesses. Regular blood test and monitoring

Hormones have a massive effect on depression. It was underactive thyroid that was the root of my first suffering with depression. Menopause throws your body into a massive confusion.

Yes, peri menopause has definitely made treating my anxiety more complicated. I never know exactly what is causing my bad days. It's usually a combination of side effects from dependance on oxazipam, actual anxiety, premenstrual stress, peri menopause (I'm just assuming because I am a 50 year old woman), depression caused by hepC and whatever else is going on in my life. Tricky.