Hormonal Issues

All boxes have been checked and now waiting for insurance approval, then will be scheduled! So ready! I'm wondering about hormonal issues. I read pretty often about hormonal imbalances after RNY. Can anyone elaborate? Are we talking physical? Emotional? This wasn't on my list to ask my surgeon about, unfortunately.

As far as I understand it, hormones (especially estrogen) are stored in fat cells, and as you lose weight you are getting a sort of surge of these hormones for a short period of time, which can affect your emotions, your menstrual cycle, sex drive, etc.
Eventually they are regulated better once you have less fat and the hormones are normalized so it is really a temporary thing. If you have a hormonal imbalance to begin with, the surgery can help to regulate it once your weight loss stabilizes, but it is definitely a good idea to have it monitored by your endocrinologist, especially if you're on meds or hormone supplements.
I'm 11 weeks post-op and have always had a very regular cycle but the last 3 have been much less predictable and I do feel a little more emotional during my cycle than I did prior to surgery, but I know it varies for everyone.
I think it also depends on your age, and whether you are pre or post-menopausal. I have also read that if you are in your late 40's or 50's, the rapid weight loss can trigger menopause.

I am by no means an expert but just sharing my experience and what I have read about.

Thanks so much!

I'm not too far out but I have noticed some physical hormonal differences, namely acne and unpredictable cycles. My mood has been fairly normal, but I do get slightly more melancholy around that time of the month, but only for a day or two.

As mentioned above, the only major issue is the "hormone dump." It usually hits folks in the first few months, when weight is lost most quickly. You'll often experience some funkiness with your menstrual cycle, and some serious PMS emotional stuff as well. By month 5 or 6, it should be pretty much straightened out, and that'll be the end of it.

I'm 60 now, I had a hysterectomy in 2012 which I believe caused a lot of my weight gain. I had maintained a 90lb weight loss for 5 years until then. I managed to gain 140lbs, with the help of eating poorly and not maintaining my regular workouts. The surgery put me into instant menopause complete with lots of hot flashes. Fast forward to now, I'm 11 weeks post-op and wondering what if anything is happening to my hormones? I still get night sweats lessened by taking gabapentin. Anyone out there have any experience with this?