Post-Surgery Brain Fog? Get your estrogen tested

[gamergirl 4,609]

So I've posted here before about having some amount of brain fog and having trouble concentrating and that even at 4-5 months out, this is continuing. That's very unusual for me, I'm typically hyper-focused. These days however, there are times when I have the attention span of a gnat. It's been a bit worrying for sure.

Went to see the doctor today as a follow-up to blood tests. We were reviewing my blood work and she asked me if I was having trouble concentrating and focusing. Um...yeah.

Apparently when we lose weight, at first our fat cells release estrogen so we're all weepy and emotional, but eventually, we do not produce ENOUGH estrogen. Thinner bodies need more estrogen to be created and our sometimes our bodies don't create enough, I was told. (not that I'm thin yet, but you get my point).

Add to it 47-year old female and she said it was classic symptoms of low estrogen which is what's showing in my blood tests too. She says this is true of men as well, which is why I'm posting this in the general forum rather than the powder Room. I don't know how it's treated for men, but for me, I have to use a compounded cream twice a day on my inner arm where the skin is thin, and it can be absorbed directly.

She herself had RNY 10 years ago, lost 150 lbs and has kept it off for 10 years. She said she had it so bad she had to drop out of her doctoral program for a semester under her hormones were back in balance.

I suspect that early on, simply recovering from surgery will give you brain fog as you heal. But if it's continuing on for several months after surgery maybe worth getting tested for?

Anyway, just thought I'd share what I learned.

[MouseOnTheMile 186]

So true, I've definitely noticed a drop in concentration and brain power, mostly in conversations. I'll be talking and suddenly won't remember what I'm talking about. This is especially true if I'm trying to multi task. Something I could do with ease before takes lots of effort. I assumed it was due to at least dehydration, possibly also lack of nutrition.

I'm 7 weeks out and 25 so maybe age is irrelevant in this instance haha

Edited December 30, 2013 by MouseOnTheMile

[RJ'S/beginning 5,357]

I haven't written a word on any of my works in progress since I had this surgery plus the difficulties.....I write on here and that is it....Can't stand watching TV or even reading is limited.....

I keep hoping I bounce back ASAP...The stories will not write themselves you know!!!!!!!!!!

Edited December 30, 2013 by RJ'S/beginning

[sophiepants 489]

This fit's in with me.

For me at 32 I was put on birth control 2 months ago (after my anger post). I've been good ever since. But I find myself in space so to speak a lot. I know it's not exactly the same but it deals with hormones. Thought it could be on some same level....IDK

[gamergirl 4,609]

I haven't written a word on any of my works in progress since I had this surgery plus the difficulties.....I write on here and that is it....Can't stand watching TV or even reading is limited.....

I keep hoping I bounce back ASAP...The stories will not write themselves you know!!!!!!!!!!

I've gone from reading 2-3 books a week to reading 2-3 pages a day. Very frustrating. I've been an avid reader since I was a child, and for the first time in my life, I can't stay focused long enough to read. Terrible. Hoping this solves that problem.

and I would love to read your stories if you share them

[RJ'S/beginning 5,357]

I have been on a writers forum where I shared a couple of stories plus a poem...But I keep my work very close to the chest because it is a lot of work to write and have the courage not to mention ideas for 90,000 words in an average book....

[Momonanomo 534]

So I've posted here before about having some amount of brain fog and having trouble concentrating and that even at 4-5 months out, this is continuing. That's very unusual for me, I'm typically hyper-focused. These days however, there are times when I have the attention span of a gnat. It's been a bit worrying for sure.

Went to see the doctor today as a follow-up to blood tests. We were reviewing my blood work and she asked me if I was having trouble concentrating and focusing. Um...yeah.

Apparently when we lose weight, at first our fat cells release estrogen so we're all weepy and emotional, but eventually, we do not produce ENOUGH estrogen. Thinner bodies need more estrogen to be created and our sometimes our bodies don't create enough, I was told. (not that I'm thin yet, but you get my point).

Add to it 47-year old female and she said it was classic symptoms of low estrogen which is what's showing in my blood tests too. She says this is true of men as well, which is why I'm posting this in the general forum rather than the powder Room. I don't know how it's treated for men, but for me, I have to use a compounded cream twice a day on my inner arm where the skin is thin, and it can be absorbed directly.

She herself had RNY 10 years ago, lost 150 lbs and has kept it off for 10 years. She said she had it so bad she had to drop out of her doctoral program for a semester under her hormones were back in balance.

I suspect that early on, simply recovering from surgery will give you brain fog as you heal. But if it's continuing on for several months after surgery maybe worth getting tested for?

Anyway, just thought I'd share what I learned.

Gg you are so wonderful for sharing these things!

I still feel the fog sometimes...and, although I think it peaked around month 5 for me, I still do not feel as quick n clever as I did preop. I am definitely going to inquire about testing to see if there is room for improvement.

GG please do let us know if/when you feel a difference!!!