Hi marie,
I found that I would get my usual pre-menstrual symptoms long after I didn't have periods any more. It would happen about when I should have gotten a period. I think we can still have alot of hormone fluctuation going on, even after we don't have periods any more.

You know when the estrogen drops, it takes a little of the seratonin in the brain with it. Of course we women self medicate, and eat (ususally carbs) to make that seratonin go back up. I try to drink more water on those days that I am eating my comfort foods.

Shotzy brings up a good point. I have self-medicated in this way far too long. There are other ways to bring our serotonin up, but unfortunately, eating is the easiest and fastest! I had knee surgery last summer, and had to be pretty consistent with my leg/knee exercises every day. I couldn't believe how much energy that gave me and how good it made me feel! Unfortunately.......eating is just too easy!
Marie....I know vegetables aren't comfort food, but can you fill up on those, before you turn to the brownies and macaroni and cheese?

Exercise brings up the serotonin fast! I have always been and all or nothing person. However, lately I will walk 10 minutes in one direction and turn around and walk 10 home. Two weeks into it, I felt better and my jeans felt alittle as well. I have started this year keeping the already cut up fruit and veggies (in bags or trays) I know they are on the pricey side, but when I am hungry, I want to reach for something fast.

I've been getting ravenous lately. It seems to happen at the times that my period won't come. Last year I gained 3 pounds in the three-month period when I was not "visited".

Still hungry all the time. It drives me nuts. Trying to walk more, now that it's nice outside. Wish there was something out there that would fill me up that's not fattening.

i never used to get the munchies at 2am until i had my hysterectomy! (and of course i'm on low sodium, lose a ton of weight diet, lol)

Today I've got the munchies and hot flashes! I had breakfast, then 2 20-ounce bottles of water.

I'm hungry all the time! And I gained so much weight it's embarrassing! I crave everything! I haven't had a period in over a year and it seems that the last few months have been the worst with this hunger! Maybe it's because I watched what I ate all of my adult life and I just got sick of it.When we used to take the kids out for banana splits, I got the banana! When we went out for hamburgers I tossed the bun! Bring on the banana splits and whoppers now and I'll show you how fast they'll disappear! lol Along with the libido, the willpower has gone out the window! Maybe I'm giving myself a pity party!
Steviefan
Steviefan

Steviefan: I hear you. I don't know why I can't stop eating. I gained 3 pounds in the last year. I was in McDonalds yesterday for a yogurt parfait. What I really wanted was the big hamburger with mushrooms on it! Thankfully I fought the urge, but it seems to be the story of my life lately, fighting the urge to eat. I wish the libido would come back. It's ironic that at a time where the chance of pregnancy is slim, I'm not in the mood!

Hello Lila

I no longer get my period it’s been 18 months, I also noticed, mine is not constant, but sometimes around my period time I still get symptoms like lower back ache and the latest is these extreme hunger pangs, I have it now and I was getting very worried because I had this before, but has never lasted this long, it’s going on now for 3 weeks, I get so hungry and if I try to ignore the hunger I get shaky, like I have never eaten before!!!! It’s really awful and I can just eat and eat and eat and eat ‍♀️ It is my period time and I’m hoping it goes away soon I hope this helps you a bit... menopause is scary!!!

Hi Colleen, thanks for the response. I went to the doctor and I was diagnosed with dysepsia. It has something to do with excess acid producing symptoms of extreme hunger which improve when eating.

Here is a good article about it. Maybe it can help you? I guess not all is menopause related or maybe menopause makes us more prone to these kind of diseases. Good luck

https://www.nemechekconsultativemedicine.com/blog/excess-stomach-acid-mimics-hunger/

Thank you Lila, I will definitely check it out