Hot flashes and mood swings

I am 3 weeks post op, I had a complete abdominal hysterectomy, I feel great, I am driving, going back to work on Monday... However, I keep reading posts about Hot Flashes and mood swings, I have had none. Is this something that comes later? Dr. has not given me anything to contol them yet. Then again, if I am not getting them, maybe I wont need anything...

The only problem that I am having is going to the bathroom with out the help of M.O.M. (milk of mag), my tummy is still swollen and tender to the touch...

Hope all is doing well...

Chelsea

Chelsea,
i am only 2 days post op, and i have not had any hot flashes either. I am really starting to wonder if i will have any. Hopefully not!!! I have decieded not to take any HRT due to all the medical problems they cause. I hope i feel as well as you in a couple of weeks.
Melissa

I'm 8 weeks post op TAH/BSO and so far, no signs of menopause
I've broke out in a few sweats, but it usually happens outside, which has been very warm, or at work under extreme stress. My Mother had a very mild menopause so I'm hoping i'm taking after her. So far, no need for any HRT.

Jean

It sounds to me that all of you ladies may be still using estrogen stores that are in your bodies. When your hormones are taken away with your organs, we still have some estrogen stored in our fat cells. That probably explains why you have had no symptoms. You may never have any.... and believe me..... that would be a GOOD thing.
snickers

thanks for the response, I certainly hope that it isn't estrogen stored in the fat cells, then again I guess I have alot of fat cells to store em in.

Chelsea

My dr told me to expect symptoms either immediately or anywhere from 3-7-10 days post-op - due to estrogen "reserves"
I didn't feel anything for several weeks..(and I'm pretty skinny - not too many fat cells).
then I started in with some insomnia, then some headaches, and some very rare mild warm flashes.
I managed the headaches w/Xtra strength Tylenol, the insomnia with Tylenol PM, and the warm glows weren't bad at all.
Eventually, at 9 weeks.. the symptoms are gone!
I've been taking a vitamin and supplements and soy since the surgery, so maybe that's working

I wish you gals the best of luck!!
Hope they symptoms don't hit you! And if they do..I hope they are mild and manageable. (But if not.. there are plenty of choices out there, from what I read it takes a little patience to find one that works.)


Shoozie

I kept my ovaries and I'm pretty certain they're working (breast tenderness every four weeks since two weeks post op, I've been charting it) but I still have occasional hot flashes. I had one last week at work. Everyone else was freezing and I was fanning myself with whatever I could find. I had to go to the ladies room to take my blouse off for a few minutes and use paper towels to dry off a bit. I'm not sure why I'd be doing the hot flashes if my ovaries are working. Maybe I should start charting hot flashes too.

And mood swings? Who knows? I've been moody forever.

Good Luck!

Lori