Question:
Stopped BCP before surgery, haven't had a period yet ...

I turned 50 a couple of weeks ago, and I'm 4 weeks post-op (lap DS). I have been on birth control pills most of my life, and for the last few years I have been on a low dose pill regimen. For the last three years, I have been missing about 3 periods a year -- I just keep taking the pills, and the next month I get a period like usual. My PCP insisted that I stop taking the pills before surgery, which I did (because of their tendency to cause blood clots). I read where a lot of women get their periods immediately after surgery, due to the hormone release from the fat they're losing, but so far, nada, nothing. What does this mean? Did I already go through menopause and didn't know it, because the pills were masking it? I should note that I am having trouble sleeping at night -- I keep waking up and switching position because I am HOT -- and it's not THAT hot in the bedroom. Insights, anyone?    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on September 3, 2003)

September 3, 2003
Yes, you probably are in menopause, I am 50 since early June. I stopped my period almost 2 years ago. Get yourself to your OB/GYN about the hot flashes, he/she can maybe put you on a hormone for it. I get what I call hot flushes, similar to a hot flash but I do not go thru all the sweats that many women get. Good luck.
   — ChristineB