Hi,

My name is Rylee, and I'm menopausal. ('nuff said?)
The first time I skipped my period, I was 44. I told DH but we really didn't talk about "it." Although, all sorts of thoughts were running through my head, as I'm sure they did DH's, too. A few weeks later when I got my period, I told DH. Again, we didn't talk about it. Late that night, he asked if I was disappointed and when I said, "Yes," he said, "Me, too." I had my 1st baby at 21, and 5 kids later, our last at 41. Strange how you can being going through life not even thinking about another baby, but the minute you suspect your pregnant, is the minute you're in love.
At 45, my periods stopped completely. Ok, I'm kind of liking this. Dr. says I have to go 1 year without a period before I can be considered "done" and not get pregnant. YEP, wouldn't you know it... entering the 12th month and there it is! And, of course, we were at DISNEY WORLD!

...NOT!
The period I had on vacation was the last one, and 6 years later, at 52, I'm STILL having hot flashes!
I still have night sweats, too. DH thinks I'm nuts! I tear the covers off, jump out of bed and remove my night-clothes, then, 10 minutes later, I'm feeling around for my clothes, getting dressed and bundle up in blanket. One time, I even tore the mattress pad off the bed because I was absolutely convinced it was making me hotter!
I'd be lying if I didn't admit to being moody, tearful, irritable, and have difficulty concentrating and trouble staying asleep. Please tell me this is all related and not the new me!