4 years after and "menopause" symptoms?

I had my hyster 4 years ago (kept ovaries and cervix) and just over the past two months have started having horrible hot flashes and mood swings again. Also some 'pain' in my lower abdomen. I didn't think I would have to go through "menopause" this far after.

Is this something that I should get checked out by my doctor? Anyone else (and I'm betting a bunch) go through this and what did you come up with?

I know I saw a few similar posts but I guess I'm just worried that it could be "something wrong" rather than just normal aging hormones.

I loved how this site helped me through the whole process back during the "process" of my hyster.

Thanks for any advice!

Hormones from ovaries go up and down until they finally quit, and it could take years with symptoms coming and going.
You can have your doctor do a test to see how the ovaries are functioning, and also to see if anything else is going on.

If you kept your ovaries, you will go through your natural menopause, and since you are 48 it is likely your symptoms are accelerating. Certainly check with your doc, but it sounds pretty normal to me. I just had an LSH a couple of weeks ago, am 47 and kept my ovaries. I have been having similar symptoms for about a year, and have always had bad PMS. My doc said that since I still have my ovaries, I will progress through menopausal symptoms as though I never had the hysterectomy (with the exception of the crazy bleeding patterns- Yea!)

Thanks for the replies! I have to get my 'yearly' scheduled soon so I will ask to have hormone levels checked.

I had my hyst in 2005 and for the last several months I have been going through hot-flashes like crazy. Before that I didn't have one until about a year ago. I had one ovary removed but the one that was left I think took care of "me" to keep the estrogen levels going. I spoke to my Dr who thinks the ovary has slowly stopped producing the estrogen and in turn the menopause symptoms are here. I agree you will be going through the natural stage's of menopause. I just hope it won't be too long of a ride for us..

Take Care