??s about hormones

First off let me tell a little about myself. I'm 29 yrs old, have had problems with bleeding and cysts and pain and on and on, since I was around 15. I had a TAH/BSO last week, and I guess I'm doing ok so far. My dr. put me on the vivelle patch and so far, so good. I really feel kind of stupid about the hormone/menopause thing mostly because I shouldnt have to know about it for quite a few more years, but, menopause won out over pain for me, and now I'm thrown right in and expected to swim.
I have a couple of questions, and if they are no-brainers I do apologize. First, with surgical menopause it's supposed to be instant, right? Does that mean that I should have woke up from surgery having hot flashes or does it take a little longer than that? Also, how long does menopause last? For years, the rest of my life?? Told you I was completely stupid about this stuff.
Should I be taking any kind of supplements now? Last question, I promise--what all does menopause mean?? I mean, I know about the hot flashes and night sweats, but what else? What happens to your hair, your skin, if anything?
I know I have asked a lot of questions that have long answers, but if you could give me your insight, clue me in to websites, anything would be greatly appreciated!!

You can also google search menopause on the right side of this website. I had too since I'm going thru it at 36. Menopause is like the change of life. Hot flashes, mood swings and night sweats. I do a lot of researching on it.

Everyone is different. Some women take their hrt and rarely have a hot flash, while others have them even while using hrt. I know I had a real hard time with symptoms, but that was just me. Perhaps you are one of the lucky ones.

There are some good articles and information at www.hormonejungle.com

Hello, I am also young (28) and had to have a hysterectomy in March. I was 27 at the time, and it hit me like a ton of bricks! it was about 5 days after my surgery that my symptoms started. I was then put on Premarin and I hate it. My doctor has upped my dosage 3 times now, and I am still have hot flashes, night sweats, moodiness. I am looking into the vivelle dot patch, but I want all my information before I go to him about it. I did not know a lot about menopause when all this happened to me. It was one day I was not even thinking about it, and then the next my doctor was ok Nichole this is it, you have it done or one month you will bleed to death and by that point the pain was unbearable anyways, so I did it. I do not regret it, I just wish I had done more research before hand. My hair has changed drastically, I lose so much of it now. I shower and it just falls out. My facial hair is growing so fast, I have to wax about every 2 maybe 3 weeks now, instead of every 6 weeks. My sex drive went up around 3 weeks post op, and of course you can't do anything so that was nerve racking. It is ok now, I want it more then before the surgery, just not in excess. The insomnia is pretty bad, as it is 1:42 in the morning for me, and I can't sleep. I think a lot of my problems are from my HRT not working properly. One thing I did learn from this experience is ASK QUESTIONS, if you do not know or understand as your doctor. That is what they are there for, and I now do not give up till he gives me an answer. Hang in there, I do not know if it gets better or worse, as I am only 3 months post op, but I do know the pain and bleeding is gone, so as far as I am concerned, it is already better. I hope you are doing good after your surgery, and remember to take it easy. I hope this helped you.

You can also start right here on Hyster Sisters with the links alongside of the Checkpoints links. Technically speaking, "menopause" is simply the time in a woman's life when she no longer has periods or menses. But there's nothing simple about the experience!

Believe everyone that it can take a while for your body to catch up to the loss of the ovaries. I'm just over 3 months post op and went on ERT within a week of surgery. Everything's been great. Only now is my body readjusting and I'm having mild symptoms - headaches, hot flashes, night sweats and 'jumpy' feeling. It's really not too bad still but a noticeable change - still absolutely nothing compared to what I was going through before surgery.

Hang in there and do a lot of reading!
Blessings

Thank you all for your help!! I didnt think i was scared or nervous about the whole hormone side of the surgery, until it was over, that is. It helps to know that I have this site and all of you wonderful people to help me out when I have things I dont understand. Thanks again!!

This is a great site and I am thankful for it also!!