Ok, I give up... Menopause it is

I had some minor hot flashes and some not-so-minor night sweats for a couple of weeks several months ago, but then they just vanished as quickly as they appeared.  Being 49 years old, with only one ovary, and having had no children, the timing for menopause is about right.  The hot flashes are back, I have been having terrible insomnia for a couple of months, and I have started having bouts of sudden, rapid heart rate when just sitting.  I also had about 9 months worth of unexplained hair loss that started about 2 years ago (my RNY was 5 years ago, so this was a second round of hairloss  that did not start until a year after my last plastic surgery).  Based on some info I just got from the doctor, it looks like the hair loss was peri-menopausal (which explains why not all of it is coming back in) and I am now in menopause (I had a hysterectomy in 1995, so cannot base anything on changes in my periods).

On one hand, it isn't really that big a deal, but on the other hand, it IS making me feel a bit old.  (I was already feeling a little weird about turning 50 in a few months.)  Mostly, though, I did NOT need to read about how common weight gain is.  I guess I just need to be vigilant about my weekly weigh-ins.

Lora

Join the club.  It took me a while to figure out, too, since I also had a hysterectomy about 13 years ago. 
My surgery seems to have solved the hot flashes.  I couldn't tolerate heat before and now I am cold most of the time, much preferable to me.  I think it may have been because of the estrogen dump during the weight loss phase.
I have recently been experiencing night sweats.  I was hoping that menopause was over but even it it isn't it isn't as bad as I expected it would be.  I have been using the estrogen cream since my doctor doesn't like to prescribe HRT.  She said it was only useful in helping the hot flashes and those aren't a problem at this time.
Another good thing is my libido seems to be picking up.  TMI I know but for a long time I have been indifferent about sex.  My boyfriend was very patient thankfully and he is being richly rewarded.  It kind of came out to the blue.  I really thought that it was all over for me and it's good to know it's not.

The hot flashes have not been bad... weird, more than anything... but the night sweats I can definitely do without.  None of those recently, so I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Lora

Sucks, hey!  I not to sure if my symptoms are pcos, menopause, or from the RNY............or everything together.  I am 50.  These symptoms can last for years.  Some what wondering does menopause have any affect on weight lose for newbies of WLS.  Can't find any studies re: that.  My guess would be yes.  Good luck.

 Hi Lora,
I was diagnosed with early menopause a year ago.  I hadn't had a period in a while, terrible hot flashes, palpitations, night sweats and my labs backed it up.  I am 45.  I really mourned my youth for about a month.  No one I knew understood that. I finally accepted the new phase of my life and things got better.  Then I had WLS and the periods started again.  I have seen my doctor and have a follow up.  All is well, but I did have the fleeting thought the other day that "Im young again."  I know it's stupid, but there you go.

Its ok to feel a little sad about menopause.  But you will accept it for what it is and things will get better.  Good luck with the hot flashes.  I know they suck beyond belief.  I was using the Combipatch with awesome results.

Me too!!!   I have mirrored your exact symptoms and FSH test revealed that it's all over for me - no "peri" about my menopause!!!   My PCP suggested I get HRT but I'm going to ride this ***** out for as long as I can - I just want it to be over and done with as naturally as possible.  I have a Mirena so I am getting a little hormonal help and it's all manageable at this point.

I am 50 in August and not too sure what I think about it yet - I did go and get purple streaks put in my hair yesterday but haven't ordered the Harley yet or maybe that's just men in midlife crisis!!!

We will have to celebrate turning 50 together then!  My birthday is the 28th of August!  HRT is out for me (Hx of blood clots), so I will HAVE to ride it out as naturally as possible.

Lora

Mine's the 8th!   Obviously a good vintage that year

We can at least commisserate on our night sweats together - the worst symptom for me so far too

I went through surgical menopause at 35. I had a hysterectomy (including ovaries) because of endometrial cancer.  I didn't have night sweats, but I did have hot flashes and wicked mood swings.  

I turn 50 on August 16th.  It is weird applying that number to myself, but honestly I am in better shape and health than I have been in over 30 years.  I don't feel old.  I feel reborn!!!!!

 Hey, can I celebrate too?  Min is Aug. 2nd, but I'll be 52.  :(