It's awful, isn't it!
I think it is different for each of us. I am fifty-five and have had them for something like ten years ~ maybe longer. One of the ladies on the site posted to me once that when we are finally firmly into menopause, the symptoms decrease.
I also experience periodic restless leg syndrome. I have found that magnesium helps with that.
For mood swings and water retention, Pamprin Plus helps. If mood swings are not a problem, the diuretic in Pamprin is pamablom. That is available OTC, though you will usually find it in the dietary aids section.
Some of us are using an antidepressant (Prozac) for those few days when things can seem so dark. Research indicates that the Prozac, even taken for this few days of the cycle, does help. I use the Pamprin for the mood alteration too as for me, water retention and irritability go hand in hand.
Estroven is something you might try.
Supplementation with a good multi vitamin (no iron) sometimes helps ~ especially the B vitamins.
Fianlly, there is a book out by a Dr. Susan Love (which I haven't read yet) that is supposed to be very helpful.
Wishing well with this ~ it is hard, I know.
Are you dressing in layers?
I have heard too that hot flashes actually work to protect us from cancer.
Sometimes, in the middle of the night when I am sweating away?
I try to remember that.... :smile:
Barbara