A warning about female hormonal shifts that I never got

I’ve posted a few times on this sub about hormones post-surgery and have read others experiences. I’m putting this here if it can help anyone.

I was sleeved in December 24 and have lost 20kg in three months. For the last 6-8 weeks, I have really been struggling with my hormones. I have PMDD (a very severe form of PMS that makes you sensitive to normal hormonal fluctuations) and am perimenopausal. The weight loss has completely tipped my hormones into absolute chaos and I have not been coping mentally, emotionally or physically.

I have seen my gyno twice in that time. He told me that surgery and rapid weight loss can change when you ovulate and also speed up menopause. Of note, weight loss does release oestrogen from your fat, but that is a very weak type of oestrogen. It’s more to do with the shifting of ovulation. We made the big decision to put me into chemical menopause on Wednesday. I’m already on HRT so will ease the rapid transition into menopause that is about to happen. It was not a decision made lightly but that is an indication of just how bad it has become. I’ve also been put on some other psych meds.

If anyone is struggling, this does happen! Bring on some stability so I can enjoy my weight loss and refocus my efforts!