I had to get my tubes tied after my 3rd,I was 25.I also had a cyst the size of a softball removed from my left ovary, was left with just half after all was done.Is it possible that I had hot-flashes from that at the time? I read that alot of women go thru early menopause if they have had an auto-immune disease, my last period was when I was 47,such heavy flow the final year, I had to use adult diapers! I got a couple of hot flashes after that, not as bad as when I was 25.My doctor did some tests this spring, to see about my hormones, etc., results came back, he said I was all finished, I was now post-menopause!!!!! I am soo glad its over with! I also got my period when I was 11, was not a very easy one. I have been taking calcium/magnesium, as well as vit.d, and I do drink tons of milk,at my ripe age of 49, I can drink a gallon of milk every few days, if I want to.My husband used to laugh at me, when he would take me out for a fancy steak supper, I would always have to order a large milk to go with it!! Not too classy! I think I never ever had the menopause-sleep problems because I have been taking ELAVIL for 13 years now, and it knocks me out into my deep REM sleep, so I sleep well. And I just do not know if I went thru the mood swings, because I lost a child to cancer 7 years ago-this september 11-so I have been grieving for the entire time. I do hope every woman having a tough time of it, can stay strong and get thru it all.We are soo lucky to be able to talk to each other here,and feel so much support!