NanFitz, I cracked up about the blouse on fire. I totally stopped having a menstrual period about two years ago. The sweats were only unbearable the first two years and then tapered off. I keep my house very cold ALL year round. The heat is only mild now and maybe flares up once in awhile. Sometimes it "rages" when I'm on my walks but that only lasts a few minutes. I can take it. I'm 54 and trust me it does ease up.