Hi and welcome to the group. You have lots of company and are not alone. Take some time and read through all the posts. There is lots of advice. If you are at the beginning of this journey and still having periods; get with your doctor. If you have an OBGYN, head there first. They specialize with women and general pracs are busy with all age groups and both genders. I would be firm with all the options' read a lot on the topic and decided now to make sure your doc gives you access to all options. If you leave it up to them, you may not get more than they can give at that moment. Be firm.

If they offer HRT, try it! You may extend your fertility a bit and level out the symptoms. If you prefer the natural and herbal method, here are a few things that will help. Firstly get a supplement that supports female organs; Estroven is a favorite as it does help with the symptoms. Secondly, soy is now another of your friends; organic soy milk on coffee works; you can get plain, vanilla, or chocolate. For herbs there's Black Cohosh and Ashwagandha, to name a few.

Don't be afraid to visit the room often and reply to some of the posts. There are lots of women who need the emotional boost and you can also feel better by helping the rest of the group. We are here for you whenever you want to vent. Menopause is not comfortable and it lasts as long as your body lets it. It can also be gentle or extreme; you could have strictly physical symptoms such as the hot flashes and sweats, or you could be diagnosed with depression, bi-polarism, and on some cases women get suicidal. Part of your experience will be your personal life as it is. If you are busy and content with yourself, then you can overcome much. If you are passionate and reactive, expect to go the gambit. If you are not content with your life, expect a long and lonely road, because no one you decide to lean on will be able to solve all your problems for you. In the last case, find a good counselor. Menopause is a good time to clean the skeletons out of the closet.

Thank you GardenLass! I had an ablation 3 years ago so I don’t get periods anymore. My periods became out of control and beyond heavy so I had to do the ablation. I’m just struggling with the emotional side. I haven’t had a hot flash but notice I wake in the night a little sweaty. Sleep is a struggle. I just don’t know who I am anymore!

I am sorry and I have been there. Still end up there now and then, even after putting effort into staying out of the amusement park rides. I equate the overall experience as a very long roller coaster stuck on "full ahead". Then there's the ride that takes you to the top of a tall column like an elevator and then drops you. then there's the zipper, The ride that looks extreme until you're on it and then it's more like a ferris wheel.

I hope you have children. While you may not feel as though you can't trust your temperament, they will help you through the worst with lots of love. If you don't have them, then you are in for a difficult ride and I suggest staying with the group. Are you a person or faith?

Yes, I have a daughter that will be going off to college in the fall. Also dealing with that!! I have faith. I wouldn’t say I’m a religious person but very spiritual.