My suspicion is perimenopausal changes, but don't hold me to it :) I took soy supplements for about 3-4 years, but stopped for a couple of reasons. #1 they didn't really seem to help with any of my symptoms, and #2, after reading and reading about soy, it occured to me that assuming I still had some ovarian function and my own natural estrogen, I didn't want to take something that could compete with estrogen at the estrogen receptor site level. In other words, I would rather have my own estrogen binding to receptors, than an imitation that is not estrogen, but rather mimics it. Does this make any sense? My line of reasoning may be in error, but my symptoms did not worsen when I stopped the soy, so I can see no harm done. If I was going to try and supplement, I would go the bio-identical hormone route, or try some of the herbal supplements. Just my two cents, and probably worth about that much, lol. Mrs H

I was online looking for alternative to Estroven as it no longer works for me after 2-3 months and found this forum, someone had commented on breast soreness, thought I would post as thats the only thing I've been able to relieve of my many many symptoms. Two or three years ago I read that Tincture of Iodine will work on sore breasts (now they have non-staining kind at just about any drugstore) you apply abit in about the size of a quarter to breast and it works, couldn't believe it was so fast too, I don't use all the time as I don't know what too much iodine will do but when its bad, its my go to cure. Hope this helps.

Im 49 yrs old I exercise daily to the tune of 8 miles running weights eat healthy do like sugar and coffee but don't drink alcohol do drugs etc. I started to gain weight maybe 4 pounds and noticed I couldn't hold my stomach in i felt discomfort, felt like I wanted to smack people- then Thanksgiving 2015 my period didn't come Xmas still missing-Janurary no period so I figured great Im in menopause. Truthfully the weight gain and fatigue has bothered me during my normal cycle. but now it would go down cause I wasn't getting my period. S while we were at Costco my husband pointed it out. I didn't get it then but went back with my grand baby and we picked it up started taking it the next day and with in 2 days was he first time in 30 years I went without napping, seriously I have spent my adult life so exhausted that I really would have to nap even at 6pm at nite to make it to 10 pm terrible- I always figured it was hormonal. I started taking the Estrogen CHANGED my LIFE no more napping I can stay up its a freaking miracle. Gave it to a few girlfriends anyone I could tell and its totally changed their lives. It fabulous try it . no more hot flashed no tiredness and Im happier. First month in i got a period for like a day now in March 2016 had my period 2 weeks so its back really heavy and not sure if the estrovan started it however I don't want menopause yet cause its hard on the youthful appearance. Im still taking the estrovan.. GOD SENT!

Hi Cindy, I am now 56. I think this all hit me at about 51. Hit me hard. I was always a slim lady, very lucky, great metabolism. I have struggled with anxiety most of my life, but wow...when menopause hit...whoa. I seemed to get fat overnight, became extremely depressed. It was like instant. I suffered with crying or sleeping all day for a few months, forcing myself to go to work, it was awful. I had no interest in anything, not even my children which is unimaginable for me. Finally my husband talked me into going to see the doctor who put me on anti depressants which I was reluctant to take as I had heard things about them that seemed negative. At this point I felt I had no other options though so agreed. It took about a week to get used to them and I have to say I feel much better although not my "old self". I am much more "subdued" but at least not crying constantly anymore. I do not feel like I am the same person I used to be as I don't have the energy or drive I used to and have not the zest for things I used to like reading for instance. I also have not figured out how to lose the extra weight as I have so little "get up and go". I feel like maybe it's just hard to accept aging? However, I do manage and try to focus on all the positive things. I know what you mean about the self esteem, I hate pics of me too, so much, cause it does not look like me anymore I think. As for your hair, could be stress, or maybe have your thyroid checked? Mine has been bad for years and dry skin, hair loss, memory loss, sluggishness, weight gain are just some of the symptoms. At least it is treatable, a pill every day. :) On the bright side: We are not alone. We all have to face this strange change in our lives. Wish it was easier though eh? Hang on my dear you will be okay.