Perhaps in one of the messages is posted something similar to this.. I didin't check. My question is this.. If I don't have a period for one year then am I done with all of this menopause.? Do you go right from perimenopause to the actual menopause.. ? What is the transition..? I am on hormones. I am having a period right now.. I didn't have one for months.. I am feeling cranky and out of sorts.. I am 50. I sure would like it all to be over with.. Thankyou.. Susan..

Hi Susan, Cranky and out of sorts? Jeesh, EVERYONE who comes to power-surge is gonna relate to that symptom!!! The general consensus is that menopause has occurred when you've gone a year without a period (although some women do get another period after a whole year without - how depressing!). In the perimenopause stage, you can expect changes in your cycles - they can be closer together or farther apart (I went 6 months without a period, had one last month, and can tell I'm gearing up for another). It's a nuisance to always keep protection in your purse, because it's hard to know when a period will come! I've gotten to the point where I'm buying pads one package at a time, because like you, I'm praying to be done with all this! And there are many symptoms of menopause; some women get a lot of them, and I've heard others say the transition was so simple - they didn't even get hot flashes. I hate them! Anyway, you're in good company here!