I'm 45, hyst. 15 years ago. How do you know what is going on as far as where you are in the meno. process? I have bloating, headaches, etc. What are your symptoms?

i used to wonder the same thing. i had a hyst. but still have one and half ovaries. but without periods to show for it, how to tell when they stop coming?
don't worry, the hormones will certainly let you know.

for the last year i thought i was having symptions, very mild hot flashes, and that was about it.

now i have too many to count, and there is no doubt. every week or so a new one comes along. what really blows my mind is that i have never heard of a lot of them.

there is the usual stuff, moodswings, hot flashes, anxiety, depression, general confusion, aches and pains, and fatigue. hysterical actions-laughin, cryin, laughin again in 0-3000 mph. over...who knows?--lol

sometimes it is a lot like PMS x 100.

then there are the UNSUSAL ones: itching and nasuea. these make think i am pregnant again- new to me.

i have actually been having "cramps" this week, even though i had a hyst. (uterus is completely removed) what is up with that?

i think the most tell tale sign is that there is no set pattern to symptoms, no way to predict which ones will come today, how severe, or how long they will last.

if you think you are going crazy, don't worry, you are not, your body is.

do not despair--you are not alone. just knowing that helps me sometimes. this is natural journey and we will survive. (although i wonder about those around me sometimes-lol)

when things get bad, come here and read some posts, it helps take your mind off things, and someone usually has some good advice. not to mention the great attitudes and sense of humor some of the women have. they always put me in a better frame of mind.

for an instant pick-me-up the chat is great too.

i hope i didn't depress you with all this, there are good days too, and blaming anything and everything on meno is great. if i don't clean the house--it's the meno, if i spend too much too money--it's the meno, if i don't want sex--it is the MENO! LOL--you get the picture.

learning to make lemonade with limes here,
leelee