Post-Op hormones / Menstruation issues

[JennyBeez 51]

Hi everyone! So I've been scouring the internet (and the forums lol) for information on menstruation complications post WLS.

I've seen plenty of 'scientific' and medical journals talk about how menstrual cycles are better regulated after Gastric Bypass & Sleeve surgeries, and even more comments from WLS patients about how their cycles went haywire, flows became excessive, pain levels increased, etc.

Myself, (prior to my WLS) I've always had fairly regular cycles, always heavy flow -- other than at certain points of severe weight gain where I would start skipping (once for 6 months!) or just get trickles of a flow. Other than in my early teens, I never experienced spotting -- whether pre-cycle or between cycles.

Now, 2 months post-op I've been getting ... spotting. I think. Again, I've barely ever experienced spotting before but for the past 4 days I've had red/brown discharge on liners & when I wipe. Today one of my ovaries feels sore and my lower back is acting up in a suspiciously pre-period way. I sent a message to my care team -- but they never reply on Fridays to begin with and it's a long weekend here so I doubt I'll hear back from them until Tues/Wed.

Would love to get more input on people's personal experiences, whether it's recent post-op or years down the line. Commiserate, complain, let me know this is an (unfortunately) normal thing.

[ShoppGirl 3,439]

Hormones do definitely go wonky and make periods irregular post surgery so it is very possible it’s related BUT, spotting can also be a sign of many female issues so it’s hard to say for certain. Im sure some will disagree but I would put a call into my gyno just for peace of mind. To me it’s worth the copay to avoid anxiety when it comes to stuff like that.

[Arabesque 6,615]

Estrogen is stored in your fat. As you lose weight (fat) it is released into your blood stream. This hormonal flush causes crazy cycles. They may be more or less frequent, heavier or lighter. You may experience more PMT symptoms or fewer. It will continue for a little while often until you lose the bulk of the weight you were looking at losing.

Of course if it becomes difficult to manage, have a chat with your gyno.

I was menopausal when I had surgery & all my symptoms disappeared. Unfortunately they all came back when I reached goal.