Hello ladies, Thank you for your prompt replies - so nice of you.
Will try and answer the best I can.
Dancinggirl - so sorry to hear about your friend - what a horrible situation she is in. I do hope she recovers from all the turmoil soon.
You are right, the diagnosis of osteoporosis is depressing. My mother had the condition severely, and I am well aware of what is coming if I do not have the treatment! However, it frightens me as I am very medication intolerant.
I am only 56, and this all came out of the blue, fracturing a vertebrae just lifting something (well, it was heavy...as OH keeps reminding me).
As for AD's. I have a long history of depression, and have, over the years, tried, at the last count, 20 or more of the medications. They all make me very, very ill. It is a long story, won't bore you with the detail, but it was discovered that I have a herniated brain (gasp, yes). The AD's caused such bad headaches that eventually I had a MRI brain scan. The brain has shifted down slightly and it causes pressure headaches. Therefore, medication that changes fluid balance in the body is not allowed. Therefore, I have had to manage without AD's, which is awful when in the grip of a really bad episode.
It is for the same reason HRT is not an option. I cut an estradot patch in quarters, and have a scan every 3 months to check the lining of the womb. This does seem to keep the vulvodynia in check.
So you see, I really do feel lousy at the moment, worse than I have for a very long time. I really want to think that it is hormonal. I think when we are depressed we want to attach a reason.
Hurdity, Thank you for the link - I have looked at this before, but never really taken the time to read properly, so will do. Unfortunately, as I have said, I cannot take HRT, but did not realise the link between osteoporosis and low oestrogen. I am under a gynaecologist, so I think I will speak to him about this. I will see him in September. I do have a very patient, understanding husband, so things could be worse. Will also ask about the testosterone. I did not think we could have that in this country?
CLKD - thank you for your comments too, think I agree, in hindsight that depression has many causes, but the hormones are massive players.
I must say to all of you, I feel supported and a little better for all your kind comments, and caring sentiments. Thank you
Echinacea