The Hormonal Hijack | Amanda’s journey

It’s been five years since my bariatric surgery, and life has been ticking along just fine.

At least it was until the night sweats, mood swings, crushing self-doubt, sudden appetite spikes, tinnitus, and a heavy dose of apathy arrived. I do not like this phase one bit!

I kept asking myself what is happening? Why are the scales creeping up while my mood is crashing down?

As a busy mum, I tend to put myself last. For months, I blamed my symptoms on stress and just being on the wrong side of 40 (okay, 50). But after finally seeing my GP, I learned that everything I was experiencing was actually part of menopause.

Oddly enough, that diagnosis brought relief. I realised I wasn’t failing myself, I was simply navigating a new stage of life. I was prescribed treatment to help balance my hormones, and within a short time the difference was remarkable.

Now, my family no longer has to tiptoe around me. My sneakers are back in action, mindful eating has returned, and the clouds, both literal and emotional, are beginning to lift.

What this experience reminded me, is that weight management isn’t always straightforward. Life stages like menopause can create new challenges, and sometimes we need additional strategies, and support to stay on track.

This is where a weight management clinic can help, providing expertise in how hormones and lifestyle affect long-term weight.

Menopause may have caught me by surprise, but with the right support, I feel ready to move forward again.