I was 10 years old when I got my first period. They explained that to me...I was a tom boy an accepted...used a tampon and jumped on a horse...I got to know what PMS was is was kinda difficult, but menopause it horrible and I realized it when I ran after hubby to kill him with a cooking pan...I know it sounds funny but it was devastating. So I decided to go to my OGYN in Amsterdam who is the best there is...and I said pleas give me something because I have all symptoms and it will probably give me cancer but I rather go for quality then quantity. My symptoms are bloating, depression, pains in the joints, panic attack, I smell different under my arms, hot flashes, dry vagina, so its painful during inter course, osteoporosis, weight gain, and so much more. I had to reduce my breast because these got so big and that caused so much pain in my back. Anyway dr Kho gave me my own birth control back and this helps pretty good, unfortunately I have to stop for 1 week and in that week all symptoms come back....I went back to dr Kho and he gave me a pill I can keep taking and don't have to stop....however these pill can give you blood cloth or strokes....they are never good for me.....so I have to try a estrogen out again...but I am so hesitant to do so because they give me terrible headaches....but I will try it because this is slightly better then the pill I am using....Make no mistake all these hormones can give me cancer they all have side effects and can be dangerous.....but what do I want I do not want to go on having all the menopause symptoms because I love myself way too much.....I share this with you because I want you to know that there is help out there, so ask for it...love yourself always