X-Post: Hot Flashes and Menopause

It use to be every once in a while where I wasn't sure it was a hot flash, but for the last three nights, I've been waking up with hot flashes.  Last night was really bad and my chocolate cravings are really intense.  So I assume this is the start of menopause, or I've been in peri-menopause for a while, but now it's getting more serious?  My mom had a hystorectomy due to fibroids, so I really don't know anything about it except my period will eventually stop.  What else happens to your body during menopause?  Are there anythings about RNY and menopause I should be aware of?  Any advice on dealing with it?

Thanks for the help.
Jan

Hello fatfreemama and welcome to the BEST place in the universe for questions and answers about WLS. We have all walked this journey. Our info is real time, real place.
Fat just isn't ugly and disabling, it is the STORAGE LOCKER OF MANY BODILY FLUIDS, think of the fat like a glacier in Alaska...as it melts away the 'HISTORY" of its formation is revealed.
That wonderful enzyme, Estogren is stored in fat. As the fat melts with true weight loss, it is released into the blood stream, flooding the body with all the good and bad that estrogen brings.
HOT FLASHES, sleepless nights, irritabliy all return. As mature women of the world, most of us have already gone through menopause years before, and now as a gift we get to go through it again. But it will pass. Enjoy the lovely skin, lubricated vaginas, increased labido, muscle tone, and silky hair on lips, legs, and public area. Also enjoy the weight loss as we take back our lives with WLS.
Monica

 Hi Monica,

Thanks for all the info.  I still have fairly regular periods so I think menopause is just starting.  Though I really hate my chin whiskers.  LOL  I'll definitely be checking in with you all more.  Probably should post an introduction.

Nice meeting you.
Jan

Monica,
I see that your RNY date is close to mine (2/12/2004) so I am interested in seeing how you are faring.

I am now 52 years old; had a hysterectomy about 4 years ago (left the ovaries) and think I've just hit menopause big time since Christmas.

My lowest weight was 148 (and I stayed there for nearly 4 years) and then crept to 155 where I stayed for some time. In the last year, I've packed on nearly 15 pounds; started having serious hot flashes since Christmas and NOTHING I do seems to help the weight come off.  In fact, I'm seeing more "roundness" in the abdomen and I'm seriously NOT happy.

Have you experience any additional weight gain that seems more aggressive and difficult to manage since menopause?  Or is this just my next hurdle? 

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
Julie

254 > 148 > Current 168

Hi, I haven't had any recurring problems with menopause after I lost the weight from released estrogen. I am happy with my current weight. I am @ 163-167. My lower abd area is still tight from my PS,but I am a muffin toppy now. I was too thin 4 yrs ago. Being sober now I have an appetite, that is much better than not eating and getting as sick as I did. I watch what I eat, stay away from the devil crusty bread and up my protein when I add a pound.

Hi Jan!

I'm in about the same position as you.  Sometimes I get hot, but is it really a hot flash?  I don't always know.  Also, my mom had a hysterectomy due to fibroids, too!  So I don't know too much about menopause either.  I do know that I am STILL having periods as regular as clockwork, and I'll be 54 in June.  As I often complain to my family, "WHEN will it END?" 

I plan to have a long talk with my Gyn doctor at my next check up.  I told her last year that I was planning to have the RNY, but she didn't seem too concerned about it as relates to menopause.  (She was very encouraging about me losing all this fat, though!) 

Come back often and join in our group.  Always happy to have you here.

 Hi Vicky,

I agree.  I see no point in having periods anymore, but they still come fairly regularly.  I figure I'll talk to my doc when I see her in June, but it's nice to be prepared for what's coming up.

I'll post an introduction.  Thanks for your response.
Jan

I had endometrial ablation in 2000...and been having hot flashes, ever since!  It seems to be worse now.  I will be 51 next week.  Dr said I was post menopausal now at my last exam.  So not sure when they end!  My mom and her sister are in their 70s and still hot flashing!  Yikes!