I am 62. I began my movement to puberty early - 5th grade as I remember. Although I was never identified as in perimenopause, I remember the doctor appointment when, asked the date of my last period, said that it had been four or five months. That was 10 - 15 years ago.

I have always had "hot" hands. In high school, when Mom and I were making cookies, I tried to shape the dough into balls, but the balls kept melting in my hands. We would stick my hands in ice water so that I could finish shaping the cookies.

I agree with you that sugar too close to bed will raise your night time temperature, but so will almost any high carb food. My hubby will complain when we are trying to cuddle that I am way too hot and that I am making him sweat. It has taken me some time to learn that it is not a rejection but truly a heat problem I have.

One of the greatest difficulties I have now is losing weight. But I am learning that I need to eat fewer carbs - which is extremely difficult. I have also learned that I feel much better if and when I exercise. My sleep patterns are so screwed up it is not funny, but that, I learned from a few older women several years ago is normal. Many nights I crawl into bed after midnight, have trouble falling asleep, but wake before 6:00 am.

There are several upsides to menopause: 1) I no longer have to wonder when my period is going to start and if I will be prepared for it. 2) I no longer have horrible cramps for two or three days after my period starts. 3) I no longer have to worry about getting pregnant.

I for one appreciate being post-menopausal.