This is not a response to the original question but thought I'd ask it here while we're on the subject. I turned 53 last month. Shouldn't I be having some signs of menopause by now? My period is still every 28 days exactly and I am no moodier now than when I was in my 20's, 30's or 40's. I had what I thought was a hot flash a couple of years ago and that's it. Periods do eventually stop don't they?!?! My mom had a hysterectomy in her early 40's so I can't go by her history and my sister was all done with everything by the time she was 54 but it took her like ten years from start to finish! Except for when I was pregnant or nursing I've had these things once a month since I was 11! I'm ready for them to end now!