I 'started' at an early age, and seems to have 'ended' same... Went on HRT as a 'precaution' against early osteo and thot it would help avoid some 'cancers' which run ramant in my family history. Got an autoimmune diesease and the neuro anti-seizure meds did their number on my bones. Subsequently got a 'tame' breast cancer and the post-meds have been working big time on the bone issues as well.
Advice for now? Chomp your calcium+ViteD+Magnesium as much and best as you can! Fosamax and the like doesn't do it all by itself, ya know?
The post-cancer meds bring a new and unwanted dimension to Hot Flashes that could, make a person at times, dive into a chest freezer and hibernate! It's a danged if you do or don't situation. Sigh.
Oh well, the interim was one total delight! NO WHAMS! with the seeing stars and all.... Don't miss THAT one bit!
Hugs for the duration? or whatever......

this makes sense, since, statistically, women live only 1/3 of their lives after menapause.....

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!

Exactly what happened to me. Probably because of my gluten intolerance, I started menopause around 42...by 49, I was over the hump. My sister, now 51, still isn't truly menopausal. Our mom had a hysterectomy at 35, so we can't go by her. I will be 54 in a few weeks, I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago last month, because of a prolapsed uterus. The doc thought, with removal of my ovaries, it may send me back into hormonal issues, but it didn't...whewwwwwwww.


This made me snicker...many of the posts have. I understand wanting it over with. I had very heavy periods, ones where I really didn't dare leave home for the first day or 2...I hated it, along with the fact, that's probably what made my ferritin take a nose dive!

Good luck all...everything happens, sooner or later.

Looks like I found the right place. (Thanks to the person in Newbie area who sent me this link)

I'm 50 now. I've been "Peri-menopause" for 5 freaking years! Or more? My periods reduced from monthly to every 3 months about a year ago. I'm more than ready for them to stop completely.

I did the hot flash thing. They don't come very often anymore, but I do keep my thermostat set fairly low, 64. My daughter is a skinny little chihuahua who complains its too cold.

Insomnia!!! When I sleep, I sleep well, but bad nights happen. I'm crabby all the next day.

I just want this to end!

Hmmmm I'm only 37 and if menopause came tomorrow it wouldn't be soon enough.
I've endured horrendous periods since I was 15, pain vomiting and diarrhoea. All the dr's just gave me the pill and sent me on my way. If only males had to go through what we did maybe they would be a little more understanding, then again one was a female.....