I'm 49 and had to have a total hysterectomy in October, 2001. Right after surgery they put me on the patch, but we found it really didn't help with any of the symptoms. After that lovely experience, they put me on Cenestin a soy based hormone. Since I started it I haven't had many hot flashes and I sleep pretty good. The only time I do have problems is when I'm under stress and the doctor said that was normal. When I saw her this week, she said I could increase my dose during those times. I told her that since my surgery, I've lost my dad, served as his executor, became the trustee of part of his estate, lost my furbaby Peach and turned 49. I figured that was about as stressed as I could be and since it seemed to be working OK - I'd just stick with what works.

You might want to check with your doctor to see if there is anything they can do. Trouble I've found is that male doctors don't see these symptoms as a problem (because they've never lived through them) and tell you to tough it out. That's why I found a female doctor - she understands.