right. some women suffer symptoms for the rest of their lives. It is only the technical term menopause meaning the cease of menstruating that lasts one day, afterwards you are post menopause even if you continue to suffer symptoms.

Okay I was just confused because I haven't had a period for 6 years and am now either menopausal or postmenopausal, whichever it is, I don't like it, I don't want it. There are days I wish I were a man!!!!! Just kidding.

there are days when I am plucking hairs out of my chin that I think I am turning into a man! lmao!
if its been 6 years you are post menopausal, and this is the time that if you are one of the lucky ones your symptoms should start to go away, except for vaginal symptoms that usually get worse without treatment.

Oh how I wish I were one of the lucky ones.......symptoms have worsened over the last couple of months. I have no facial hair yet but have lost hair and as for the vaginal dryness......sex.....what is that????

My hair is thining too, I have been coloring my grays and I see more scalp then I used to when I part my hair to get at the roots. I have to wash it twice after coloring because otherwise I have dyed my scalp.
I'm losing pubic hair too.

Have you tried anything over the counter for your symptoms? I've been reading good things about a soy drink called "revival" a lot of women say it helps them.

The only thing I have tried over the counter is the Black Cohosh and haven't been on it long enough to see any results. I don't have much patience with this stuff. Always wanted "instant gratification"(yet another issue!!!!!!

for instant gratification there is always hormone replacement therapy..... but then you have to worry about the risks and side effects.
I had just started black cohosh but I think it was the cause of my heartburn I started getting.
I was reading this morning about a case of possible liver damage from black cohosh too so I guess there are risks to everything, even the natural stuff.
I just ordered a supplement called "women's wellness" It's mostly made of soy protiens. I'll let you know if it does anything for me.
Let me know if the black cohosh does anything for you.

Hi Pat. I started my perimenopause I believe in my late 30's. My mother apparently started young too. It started with hot flashes and irregular periods and mood swings. I'm still in perimenopause and I'm in my late 40's now.

I believe you are in menopause when you stop your periods altogether and they stay gone for 12 months in a row. Then I guess you go into post menopause. Not sure.

So, yes perimenopause is a long process for some women. I excercise and take vitamins and try to eat right. That does help my symptoms.

Perimenopause is the time we suffer the most. I think once we actually become menopausal, we begin to feel a little more at ease with it all.

Hi, Im new here and this community caught my eye. I'm 39 and wow...all I can say is I hate hot flashes and my periods are all messed up....I used to be able to set my watch to them. Mood swings? My poor b/f! He doesnt know whether to scratch his watch or wind his butt..thats not mine lol thats Truvy...

I was a frequent user of DailyStrength when I first started my insanity loop, but I have been away for awhile. However, I saw this post and I just couldn't resist the temptation to assist others in their plight. I started my perimenopause at age 38, was insane until age 44, and stopped having menses at age 45. Im 47 now, and I have not had a period since Oct 2008. My mind has gotten better, but those symptoms still come upon me unexpectedly from time to time. Not as bad, but theyre there. However, those dreaded hot flashes have gotten worse and more frequent over the past few months, but Im proud to say that I went threw all of this without any assistance from drugs, alcohol, or any other substance that might destroy my body or make things even worse. You can do it ladies! Just ask for support from others, and keep talking about it to others who are experiencing the same symptoms, or gotten through it already. Just hang in there ladies! It does get better. I have done tons of research on this subject (when my crazies began), so if you need an ear or shoulder, please let me know. It really does help to get reassurance from those who have been through it already and know what to expect. We all go through it in our own way, as no two bodies are alike, but the same basic issues hit all of us. Best wishes! Heres a link that I hope might help you: http://www.project-aware.org/Experience/postmenopause.shtml