Question:
Woo Hoo! I think I have an original womens health issue question never before asked!

Here's a good one for you... I know that estrogen is stored in fat, and when you drop the weight real quick, you release high amounts of estrogen into your system. Is it possible to push yourself into Para-Menapause? I've been watching Oprah, and you know that if you hear it on Oprah it's got to be true! LOL! I have an awful lot of the symptoms that are associated with para-menapause that are being mentioned. A few of them I've had since prior to surgery, but a lot of them are new. I would almost be greatful to hear a "yes" to this question. If this is possible, should I go to the Dr. about it, or are a lot of the symptoms of the surgery/weightloss just similar? I would be very proud of myself if I came up with a question that you've never heard before! Thanx! :-)    — Janet C. (posted on April 15, 2002)

April 15, 2002
Yes yes and more yes. As it happens I am being checked for this very thing on Wednesday with my gyno. She feels that certainly, in the past 3 years since the surgery, the signs of menopause are there. Now, this could just be my age but, since the surgery, my periods have never been right either not coming at all or coming 3 times in a month. One month I had my period every day but 2. Other signs are there too. I'm 43 so it "may" be my age but just my nonmedical opinion says that the surgery may have "pushed me" alittle bit. BPD/DS 1999
   — Barbara H.

April 15, 2002
Yes, I have heard of this happening. It is true that a lot of hormones, especially estrogen, are stored in fat. When we lose the fat, these hormones get released. It can give PMS-type symptoms, although sometimes very extreme. I am certainly not looking forward to that part. =/
   — Jennifer Y.

April 15, 2002
I can't believe you asked this question! Just today I went to the gyno. and a major issue is that I haven't had a period for four months now! I was having them regularly after surgery, then four months ago they just stopped, as I got closer to goal (I am now 10+1/2 months post op, 5 pounds below goal.) The doc is running blood work and also may do an endometrial biopsy. I also have PCOS, and he told me it could be a combination of the shock to my body, PCOS or a few other things. I asked him if I could be peri-menopausal, and he said possibly but I am only 35 so doubtful. Now I may have some new info. that I didn't know about for my next visit in 3 weeks to discuss the blood results. I hope someone else may have more info. on this estrogen thing, I have never heard of this before! Anyway, thanks for asking, perfect timing for me!
   — Vicki K.

April 16, 2002
I have only had one period since October and last month I had a little spotting only. BUT in October I had my revision to transected pouch. Before that when I had my original surgery (open rny) my periods returned after about 9 mos. Strange. I would like to know this too and would also like to know, do we need to get on HRT now? Should we wait a year as Dr. Northup ( on Oprah) suggested? I have been using Progesterone cream and it is great. I am having a problem with sore breasts though and this is a sign of an overbundance of estrogen. Last time I went to my gyn and she said I was in menopause then and offered the combipatch. I used it for a while and my brests got sore then too. I quit using it when my periods returned. It is a paradox deciding what to do but I think I will wait a while and if I have been a year without a period, think about HRT. Personally, I was not quite ready for menopause so suddenly. It would be great to be through it but with the hormones wacko a lot of other things are affected.....mostly libido and I kind of liked the quick wt loss that occurred when PMS ended and period started. Oh well, I will just try to bloom where I am planted! lol!
   — Marilyn C.

July 14, 2002
I am SOOOO glad I found this question! I, too, watched Oprah (who doesn't, right? lol) and thought I must be having symptoms of menopause. However, I am only 32, my cycles are regular (I am on birth control pills) so I wasn't sure if my hot flashes, difficulty sleeping and horrid mood swings were "normal" after WLS. I read an article about some menopause being surgically induced. Any comments on this?
   — Sara C.

May 6, 2003
I am in my mid thirties and about three years ago I began having sings of menopause (hot flashes, temper tantrums,etc) but my periods were still regular. I did some research on the computer and found out I was in peri-menopause. It is like "pre menopause". I went to see my doctor and I was right. He gave me celexa (I also needed something for depression at that time) and believe me, It Worked. I am much calmer and no hot flashes!! See your doctor is such a thing!!!!!!!!!
   — Bradybug

May 6, 2003
I started perimenopause in my mid 30s. The problem with starting it so early is that doctors aren't quite sure what to do with you/for you. However, I do suggest two things that anyone who suspects perimenopause: 1) get your levels checked first 2) discuss this with more than one doctor. I had the wrong things prescribed to me THREE TIMES and now I am basically getting what I need but that is because I am knowledgeable and if one doctor won't work with me instead of just tell me what to do, I find another doctor. My current PCP is wonderful and actually defers to what I know about me (amazing fellow).
   — susanje

February 15, 2004
YES! I had Lap RNY May 29, 2003, down 95# almost at goal. Have been having night sweats every night for months. Had some before but not consistently. Also two full periods each month with blood clots and severe cramping while on the pill. Dr. is checking hormone levels fasting Monday AM and switching BC pill to combat all ailments. Not ruling out the large weight loss as a factor. Will know more late next week. Does this help or create more questions? LOL I'll check back next Friday.
   — Barbara K.