What is this MTHFR gene, and why does my doctor think I have it??!
Question: I went to the gynecologist today, and was surprised to leave with order for blood tests for some genetic depression problem and the mysterious MTHFR. I've looked up stuff, but the information is all very scattered, and all the places I've looked seem to have different diseases that can be caused by it.
All I know is that he came to this conclusion when I told him that depression and bi-polar disorder runs in the family, and that I've had a huge ovarian cyst. He also knows that my mom had to do fertility treatments to have my sister, and that she's getting her uterus out in a few days.
I'm wondering what about that stuff was so conclusive to him, especially since not a single general practice or psychiatrist has EVER mentioned it to me.
Anyone know a lot about this MTHFR gene??
Answers: I went to the gynecologist today, and was surprised to leave with order for blood tests for some genetic depression problem and the mysterious MTHFR. I've looked up stuff, but the information is all very scattered, and all the places I've looked seem to have different diseases that can be caused by it.
All I know is that he came to this conclusion when I told him that depression and bi-polar disorder runs in the family, and that I've had a huge ovarian cyst. He also knows that my mom had to do fertility treatments to have my sister, and that she's getting her uterus out in a few days.
I'm wondering what about that stuff was so conclusive to him, especially since not a single general practice or psychiatrist has EVER mentioned it to me.
Anyone know a lot about this MTHFR gene??
I agree--it's hard to find information about the MTHFR gene. It's good that you are going to get tested for it, but as I understand it, it's recessive, so you wouldn't be affected unless both your mother and father carried the gene. If they did and you are, it's important to know, because of the issues around miscarriage and clotting disorders. If you learn you have the mutation, the link below will tell you how to find genetic counselling in your area, and I recommend you get it.
You would also want to do careful research about bipolar disorder and depression. If you are clearly depressed and not bipolar, there are tests that will help in prescribing the appropriate antidepressant. See the Mayo clinic link below.
However, if you are bipolar, you don't want to take an SSRI, because it can throw you into a mania. It's important to get very smart recommendations for medication. The third link explains this.
Finally, you might do some research into polycystic ovary syndrome, given that cyst.
Good luck with all this--it's a lot to be trying to sort out.