These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Karen, age 55: I've been very fortunate. Like my mother, I made it through menopause without hot flashes or other major discomforts. My doctor tells me that all I have to do now is be sure I get my regular checkups and exams, take calcium and vitamin D for bone health, and take good care of myself.

Jane, age 52: By the time my periods stopped, I didn't have bad hot flashes or other problems. I was pretty proud of myself for getting exercise and eating right, and thought that I was one of the lucky ones. Did I get hit, though! The night sweats started a few months after my last period, and I couldn't sleep or get through the day after that. So, I tried low-dose HRT for 6 months, to get some relief. Then, I tapered off of it over a few months, and they weren't as bad. I figure I can tough it out now till my body adjusts to its new state.

Mary Anne, age 60: My doctor told me that HRT would help me in so many ways, so I started taking it after my periods stopped. The problem is, I had periodlike bleeding on and off, and I just couldn't take it after 6 months. I haven't taken it since, and I've grown used to my body's changes. I still get hot flashes sometimes but not like I used to. When I feel one coming on, it really helps me to do relaxation breathing. I think that calming my body and mind has a big effect on making a hot flash go away.

Jenessa, age 45: I have already had a terrible time with perimenopausal moodiness and some occasional hot flashes, and low-dose birth control pills have helped even out the hormone ups and downs. So I know what my plan is. When my doctor gives me the go-ahead around menopause age, I'm going to switch to low-dose HRT. Then I'll taper off of it after a year or so. I need to be able to function!

Sondra, age 55: There is no way I'd ever take estrogen or progestin, because of the cancer risks. There's just too much we don't know, and what we do know from recent studies scares me. I used an antidepressant when my hot flashes were bad, and that helped me a lot. Now, I just take calcium and vitamin D supplements and get regular exercise to help protect my bones.

Sam, age 49: A girlfriend told me that she was having great results from taking black cohosh, so I tried it for the occasional hot flashes and mood swings I was having. I think it's working quite well. However, it wasn't until I went for my annual gyn exam that I learned it's best to have a checkup every 6 months, like women in Germany who take it by prescription. Now I know to think of black cohosh as a prescription drug, kind of like estrogen, that's still being studied.