You come to a certain point in life and realize that the crazy stuff you heard about menopause is not really a joking matter because now it is affecting you!  I thought I could sail on by without being affected by any symptoms, but then I began experiencing heat flashes (embarrassing when in public), fatigue, restless sleep, acne (like being a teenager again), and a rollercoaster of emotions.  I have specific memories of my mom around the same age crying while watching Hallmark movies and thinking how ridiculous that was…fast forward to me years later and here I am trying to fight back the waterworks while watching anything that is even remotely sad- Uggg!!!!  Oddly enough, I didn’t know what was happening to me at first but after a while I put 2 & 2 together and knew the ____ had hit the fan!!  Older women have actually told me that heat flashes can last for decades…what could they possibly hope to accomplish by saying that!!  Since I don’t like to take any medicine, I am trying to find a solution that can help with these menopausal gems.  So far, I have tried some essential oils to keep the heat flashes away, taking a little nap in the afternoon, or I fall asleep at my computer, and carrying a portal mini fan around with me.  Stress seems to make the heat flashes worse. I would love to know what has worked for you.  Please comment below and share your experience because we could all use some good news!