I had a hyst at 39...right after ds was born. Nursed him for 16 months with no symptoms. When I weaned him though it hit....full force. I thought I was going to die. An older friend told me what was going on though. I never even thought about "the change" because they told me that since I had my ovaries it would not come early. I will not do hormone replacement. I have issues with doctors anyway....last time I saw one I ended up with a hysterectomy! What I have done is herbs. It takes a bit to get them adjusted to what you need. I take black cohosh and eveing primrose oil together and then a bit later I take some dong quai.