And when do you know that menopause is over???

I'm in peri. Actually today I feel I'm in peril. Well, not really, but my mood is definitely swinging the wrong way.

i can't get an answer as to how long does this last? some people have said that it lasts forever! are they kidding me? i'm on hrt, thank god, but can't stay on it forever. i can't believe just how unprepared i was for this. i thought it wouldn't come on for another 10 years, so when the sx began, i never connected it to peri-menopause. and the books! i have bought a bunch but they either scare you, depress you or seem to make it your fault if herbal and other non-medicinal treatments don't work for you. i've read a lot on line to learn about this but again, there is a lot of controversy out there. so i've stopped reading all that crap now because it agitated me, (a fairly infrequent sx) ;-) what is "menopaused"? paused from men? that happened to me. rant rant rant............

Isn't a full year or so without your periods?

Mockingbird...I've read that perimenopause can be a few months to 10 years. Actual menopause one year without a period?

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

OMG, ten YEARS!! In peril, is definitely a better description, like spuff said!! Excuse me, I am going to eat two chocolates and then call me in the morning.