I'm 58 1/2, stopped having periods over 6 years now. I was on synthetic hormone replacement for 7 (7ish) years. Went off when the panic set off by the bad results of the Nurses study. I thought I was over the worse part - but with no HRT the symtoms returned twice as bad. I stuck it out for about a year then tried bioidentical HRT. The brain fog was the hardest part for me. I honestly thought I was losing my mind - stumbling over every sentence...

I love the bioidentical HRT - although it is a bit of a hassle. I work with a compounding pharmacy which I pay out of pocket, then I submit to my insurance - which only pays for certain things. But, as I have said before - this aging stuff isn't for sissies.

I know that certain things affect the hot flashes: caffine and too much chocolate!! I have gotten away from my routine exercise since we have been in the processing of moving - but DH bought me a new VCR/DVD for my basement workout room and I'm ready to get back at it next week. Exercise is crucial in keeping me flexible, and my bones stong - also - along with the fact that it keeps me sane. DH especially likes that part.

I suppose technically for me it's over. I think our generation is never going to sit back like our grandmothers and just get old. I think we will always think of ourselves as "The 60's generation" and getting old aint workin for us.

Boomer sisters.....hey browser, I have the dvd with my gym gear, best way to do a workout routine IMHO! And not a truer word was spoken "This aging stuff isn't for sissies"....it sucks doesn't it!

And Cara4art, I too followed a healthy lifestyle for many years, yoga, natural diet, etc....although unlike you I still feel I need the wine! But I'm afraid I was forced into menopause having had a total hysterectomy 5 months ago....at 51, I was still having regular but slightly heavier periods. All the natural stuff hasn't stopped me from the hot sweats yet, but I'm hoping the natural progesterone cream will do the trick eventually.

My mother too died of cancer, but my mother was in her 60s. Not a pleasant experience to watch a disease take someone away.

Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading your posts.

Anne, is this because you haven't been without a period for an entire year??

They all say you are in menopause when you don't have a period for a whole year, but sometimes that's when the sweats and things can get worse. I had regular periods until almost 52 when I had a hysterectomy, now my body is in menopause I am now not getting any period (of course!!!) but I have the darned sweats something terrible. Forgive me repeating myself here....but I find everyones experiences very interesting.

My sister in law stopped getting her periods in her forties and no symptoms.....they just stopped, whammo....nothing more! Zippo!! And some others on the site have experienced something similar.

Speaking of books, has anyone read:

http://www.thebodyblues.com/

I've just picked it up from my library.....only a ¼ way through it but it's very good.

I went to the web site but I've never read the book. have you? If so, mind telling us about it?

Just getting into the book at the moment, you know these sorts of books.....lots of info and heavy reading to begin with before they get into the programme!

At the moment I'm reading about the biology of the body blues. Will let you know more when I get to the Levitiy programme. The place I got my Serenity Cream from has Levitiy vitamins and such.

I'll keep you posted.

Girls, I just turned 58, didn't have a period for 14 months and then BOOM...had one last December (Merry Christmas!). My GYN freaked out and did the whole magilla of testing - that awful edometrial biopsy, where you want to jump off the table, an ultrasound, the CA125 blood test for ovarian cancer. Thank God, all were fine. His explanation was that I had a "surge of estrogen" which caused me to have a period (and a regular one I might add). So much for the "one year" thing of being into full menopause. Guess I am back into that peri-menopause stage. These flashes are much worse the past month and I don't have a clue why. I eat and drink NO CAFFEINE for the past 3 years and exercise regularly. Hormone therapy is out for me since my heart attack 2 1/2 years ago. The GYN tells me there is an end in sight, but he never says when!! That fan and my A/C are my best friends. Hey, whatever works!!

Pam, poor you! And that biopsy....ghastly isn't it!

Did you get another period since that Christmas one?

No Flossie, no period since this past Christmas. No signs of any either,but those flashes are worse than ever. I really just bear with it and hope it will be over soon!

Pam, you have a few more months before you are considered in menopause. I've read it takes a year to get through. I've also heard that some women get another period after many months and then have to begin counting months again.

Do you take anything to help with the hot flashes?