I'm 37 and am having weird symptoms that I believe to be menopause. I am frustrated at the lack of straight-forward information. For instance, why are they not doing more in-depth studies of progesterone cream, or bioidentical hormones? If men went through menopause, I'd bet they'd have all this figured out by now.... Published: September 22 ::

I started "the change" when I turned 40. Bear in mind, I only had spotting during my menses, but also suffered cramping so bad the first day, I was on prescription pain pills to be able to function. Even after the birth of my only child at age 32, I continued to only spot, but no more cramps. I have NOT had any surgery to remove my female parts or tie my tubes, everything is still in tact. Once I had started the change, I went through what my doctor called "classic" text book symptoms. These included: night sweats, hot flashes, irregular periods (not every month), mood swings, increase/decrease in libido, weight changes, etc.. My doctor told me that once I quit having my menses for a full 12 months, I would be "completed" through the change. He was right, but I still have the occasional hot flashes. He said that can happen and may or may not continue the rest of my life. HE SAID EVERY WOMAN IS DIFFERENT WHEN IT COMES TO MENOPAUSE, AND THAT EACH ONE WILL EXPERIENCE A COMBINATION OF SYMPTOMS. He also SUGGESTED (mind you)that if I could deal with going through menopause and afterwards WITHOUT HRT (hormone therapy), I would be better off without it. SO I CHOSE NOT TO TAKE IT. Not every doctor would agree with that, but I believe he is right. I am now 53 yrs old, and my bone density is still the same as it was when I had my first mammogram at age 39. I take 1200 mg of Calcium with Vitamin D daily, and also go for a walk 3 to 4 times a week. I still have the occasional hot flash, but I can live with that. Not having my periods anymore is so wonderful! Menopause ROCKS!!! Published: September 22 ::

I am only 35 and I had to have a hysterectomy due to an illness and now I am feeling as if I have no energy to do anything. I am always crabby and I can’t seem to get interested in having sex at all. I pray that I can get some kind of treatment to help me get through this. I am still too young to feel this worn out. Published: September 11 ::

I am 50 years old. I just got off of birth control pills about 5 months ago, and I was slammed into menopause, according to my Dr. I have all the normal symptoms but I have joint and some muscle pain. Especially in my hands, but in my shoulders, elbows, neck, knees, ankles, feet, and hips. During the night and in the morning I have stiffness, like arthritis, and I also experience pain in my joints if I sit too long. I’ve had all sorts of blood tests and everything came out fine, but I feel like I am 70 years old. I'm not alone, I found other women too going through this. I’m scared and confused. Published: November 16 ::

I have been peri-menopausal for 7 years, starting at age 42. I knew I was there because of the hot flashes and fatigue. I realized that not only was my infant waking me, but I was just awake. My periods became less frequent then more frequent, then less frequent, and sometimes gone for long periods when they would just happen again out of the blue (and in very inappropriate places!) One of the most confusing things for me has been what I would call clear or yellow periods, where there seemed to be no blood, just white or yellow fluids. I wonder if anyone else has experienced this. Published: November 03 ::

I’m 51 and no menopause yet, but I like learning about it. Thanks for all the info you gave! I’m still having the ‘P’ every month, but I just want to see and hear what you have to say! For the most part, it seems it will be ok! Thank You! Published: October 09 ::

36 here, and after a year my doctor admits I am perimenopausal. I tried birth control pills but they made me depressed. Hot flashes are worse in summer because in Seattle, there is no air conditioning. The colder my bedroom, the less I have them. Now, I am experiencing insomnia. I have had a total of 4 hours sleep in 3 days. I was more than tired when I came home from work, however as soon as I got into bed it has been nothing but staring at the ceiling. Now once again it is 2am and I haven't had a lick of sleep. I have extreme headaches due to tension, fatigue and anxiety. Published: October 06 ::

I am experiencing vaginal dryness plus pain when I am with my husband. Now, I never want sex with him. Menopause is hurting my life, but my skin has gone dry all of a sudden and I don’t know what to do. Published: October 06 ::

The symptoms I am experiencing include life-sucking, ear-burning, disgusting, perspiration-laden hot flashes, day and night; heightened emotions -- I've never been an emotional, teary woman, but I feel frequently on the verge of tears; and I've ballooned up 20 pounds in two months. I'm still having occasional periods, and I was told at age 35 that I was premenopausal. I'm now 45; I started my period at age 12. Aren't I too young for menopause? Can it be induced by stress? I've had a very stress-filled year. Published: September 11 ::