How do you know what your body is doing?

Hi ladies. This is one of those questions I don't think anyone can answer, I am just looking for some input. I am seven months out and I kept my ovaries but I am not sure whether I am menopause, peri-menopause or what. It is hard when there is no blood or increased cervical mucus to indicate where you are at at your cycle. For several months after the hysterectomy, I could feel my breasts getting swollen and sore just like before a period but for the past four months, nothing. I don't think I am ovulating anymore. Do the ovaries stop working once your uterus is gone? I was getting really bad hot flashes too but they have somewhat calmed down some.

I am reading a wonderful book "What your doctor may not tell you about menopause" and in it the doctor says that the ovaries will cease working within 1 to 3 years after the loss of your uterus. I am not sure if this is true or not.

I had to have a total hysterectomy due to endometrial cancer so I got no ovaries to work or not work but it may be a question to ask your doctor.

There's actually a blood test your doctor can order to allow you to find out where you are on the journey through menopause. Maybe that's something that you want to look into.

Sometimes ovaries stop working and sometimes they continue to work for several years. I know one girl at work who had her uterus out 5 years ago and she's still ovulating once a woman.