Hormones-Sorry Guys!

We all know they effect everything!  I know now that when I was 330 pounds I always broke out with these deep cystic zits on my lower chin and neck, and had long hairs on my neck under my chin I would have to pluck.  When I lost my weight those two things went away.  I think excess weight causes hormone imbalances in some of us. This past year I have been going grrrrrr every night because I have been so busy taking care of chin hairs and also one side of my upper lip had gotten so much more hairy and the skin even seemed changed (thicker).  I have been fantasizing about lazer hair removal and thinking it is really because I got a lit magnifying mirror that I am obsessing.  For other reasons (I have my ovaries but had a hysterectomy a couple of years ago) I started hormone therapy a few weeks ago.  Well the reasons were still getting the PMS symptoms (swollen sore breasts, emotional, breaking out, etc.) monthly.  Well...within about two weeks when I sat down to do my routine I didn't have anything to do.  The skin above my lip isn't thicker anymore and the hair is way down.  I realized that I think I was having hormonal imbalance and it didn't occur to me.  I thought it was an over 40 pushing 50 thing for sure.  That and looking in that darn mirror that tells too much.  Actually, as scary as it is, it's probably good to look at things that closely once in a while!  Without a mother I figure I may be having to turn to you guys ahead of me as these change of life things unfold.  I also think we should be aware as the weight comes off that it can wreak havoc on some peoples hormones.  Our fat stores estrogen and as we lose it does change things. On a good note - I just did my physical and everything is perfect.  My doctor still does the lab panels that Dr. Hong did.  I don't know if they are all necessary at this point, but I am glad she works off of that.  Low blood pressure, no more pre-diabetes, good liver, normal thyroid, enough vitamin D, etc.  Really, the lab order is really long and checks for a lot.  I'm not sure how often we should get a bone scan.  I had a good one at the one year point.  Is it necessary to get one more often?  Patty

As someone who is 50 and experiencing hormonal changes (double with the weight), I know what you were going thru. I am so glad it is no longer happening for you.

As to the bone scan - if you have a family history of problems with osteoporosis or other bone problems, it wouldn't hurt to get one. Other than that, only when your doctor recommends it.

Congrats on your great success, you are truly an inspiration to me and others,
Vicki

Hey Patty - I'm soon to be 54 years old.  I had a hysterectomy but kept my ovaries about 12 years ago, but I just started on a low dose of estrogen about 2.5 years ago.  I've never had the zits or the hair problems, but I did have a wicked case of the hot flashes and the grouchies.  I tried to go off the hormones after surgery, but the only thing worse than a hot flash is having one after you are constantly freezing all the time.  The wardrobe changes were wearing me out!    I don't have a mom either -- lost both my parents when I was 12, so there isn't anyone to ask about these things.  It's good we have these boards! I'm due for my one-year check up next month, so I'll ask about the bone scan, etc.  I had a baseline done a couple of years ago, so I should probably have one within the next year to see if I'm losing any bone mass because of surgery.  At least I think so anyway. Linda

I have only had two periods surgery over 16 months ago, wow hot flashes are horriable I spend mopre time waking up hot then cold its horriable, I have not talked to dr about hormones just wanting to not have another pill to take,  I hear you girlfriend,,  kel