Ruth
Been there, done that - not going back. I started menopause symptoms around the age of 40. There are many varied symptoms. Not all women have all symptoms. Besides the hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, there are feelings of electrical impulses going through your limbs, anxiety attacks, etc. You should have seen me during my first anxiety attack as I was driving over a tall bridge and just knew that I was going to pass out and drive off the bridge. Finished the drive to work in tears. Many doctors do not agree with all the symptoms, I even had one tell me that women do not have menopausal symptoms until they stop their monthly period! My advice is - go to your local library and search for books written by doctors on the subject. Also, if you are not satisfied with the treatment, find another doctor. I had a complete hysterectomy in December of 1998 (because of cysts and non-malignant tumors) and haven't felt this good in years. (If you ever have the surgery, make sure to insist they take everything.)