For anyone that missed it, my PCP tested my hormone levels awhile back and turns out I had low testosterone (normal is 20-80 and mine was 11) so I started testosterone replacement therapy. A few weeks after starting HRT, I was putting on my "fancy with the bling on the pockets, can't even wear underwear cause they're so tight" jeans to go to a Kentucky Derby party. Surprisingly, they weren't really that tight. And standing in front of the mirror, I noticed my collar bones were a little more prominent and my ribs were pokin out.

So the next Monday at work I stepped on the scale and it read 135. The lowest number I've ever seen and that was after a weekend of consuming mass quantities of bourbon and sugar disguised as mint julips along with fried chicken, potatoes, and don't forget about all the cupcakes. Must be a fluke I thought. So for the next few weeks I stepped on the scale each Monday and turns out no, it wasn't a fluke. Apparently my normal weight range has dropped from 140-142 to 135-137.

All I can think is its gotta be the testosterone because I'm not dong anything different than I have for the last year. As of last week, my testosterone level was up to 41, and there is a noticeable improvement in my mood and energy level. So between my endometrial ablation that resulted in cessation of menstruation, my complete loss of boobs and butt from WLS, and a boost in testosterone, I guess I've truly let loose my "inner man"..... And he's a much happier, skinnier version of the sad, exhausted woman I was just two months ago.

@@Kindle, I am so happy for you! Not only because of your new "normal" weight range, but because of your boost in energy and mood. You have been such an inspiration to me before and after my WLS. Reading your posts and replies always give me a good and clear understanding of nutrition and what the body goes through after WLS....thank you!

@@OKCPirate wait, decisive and clear thinking? Whaaa?

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@@OKCPirate wait, decisive and clear thinking? Whaaa? Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Actually, that's exactly what my PCP's wife said once she finally got her hormone levels dialed in. She could focus better, was thinking more clearly and could make decisions easier. So no, it's not just OKCPirate saying that cause he's a guy. I'm still waiting for that side effect to kick in.....

@@OKCPirate wait, decisive and clear thinking? Whaaa? Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Actually, that's exactly what my PCP's wife said once she finally got her hormone levels dialed in. She could focus better, was thinking more clearly and could make decisions easier. So no, it's not just OKCPirate saying that cause he's a guy. I'm still waiting for that side effect to kick in.....

@@woo woo - that is not always a positive being dogmatic. One of the drawbacks of having your hormones off is you do get fuzzy in your thinking.

This is not a male/female judgement. I have come to respect the differences...if we were both the same, one of us would be redundant. That being said, I like being decisive.

Our decision-making styles are grounded in much more than hormones and have nothing to do with our genders or gender preferences.

@@Kindle, what tests do you recommend having done to check your baseline on hormones? I'm premenopausal but feeling more hormonal, not looking forward to the dump post surgery and ensuing craziness. Is there a baseline of things you think are good to be tested for before and after surgery?

@@Kindle, what tests do you recommend having done to check your baseline on hormones? I'm premenopausal but feeling more hormonal, not looking forward to the dump post surgery and ensuing craziness. Is there a baseline of things you think are good to be tested for before and after surgery?

My PCP tested progesterone, estradiol, free testosterone and total testosterone. But none of this was done in conjunction with, or because of surgery. I'm 2 1/2 years out. The usual estrogen dumping you get postop is going to be transient and just something you've gotta ride out. I actually never experience any emotional or mood fluctuations immediately postop, I've only read about it online. I was happy as a clam for the first 1 1/2 years. Besides, any immediate postop hormone testing is likely going to give wonky results for awhile and not something you'd be able to base a diagnosis or treatment plan on anyways.

Our decision-making styles are grounded in much more than hormones and have nothing to do with our genders or gender preferences.

Yes, I'm still very obsessive when it comes to making decisions. I must research and contemplate every possible option before committing to anything. No such thing as an impulse purchase or impromptu activity for me. And this is exactly the way my dad is.

I wonder how far out post op would give us a normal baseline. I'm about 5 months out and still dealing with no energy despite losing 60+ lbs. My Iron level was low, so I've been on supplements for about a month. Unfortunately there has been no change in my energy level. My sex drive has also slacked This could be my issue too but how long should I wait to get tested?

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Edited May 31, 201610 yr by cindyw41

Tested for horomones? I don't think there needs to be a wait period... If you feel something is off get tested, test can always be repeated in another few months.

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It was my understanding that your hormones were off after surgery. I don't want to get tested if the test results are off because of that. So Im wondering if there would be a time period of when your hormones level off..

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Edited May 31, 201610 yr by cindyw41

Our decision-making styles are grounded in much more than hormones and have nothing to do with our genders or gender preferences.

Yes, I'm still very obsessive when it comes to making decisions. I must research and contemplate every possible option before committing to anything. No such thing as an impulse purchase or impromptu activity for me. And this is exactly the way my dad is.

I'm the same way. My husband says I'm over-analytical. He's right. But that's how I have been all my life.

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