I don't understand why so many doctors won't believe and treat women who are peri-menopausal. I am 48 and started having hot flashes, mood swings, uncontrollable rages and depression. My OB/BYN said there was no way I could be having hot flashes because I was on the pill and that should be controlling my symptoms. She suggested massage, acupuncture, and cotton pajamas. I said, "lady, massage isn't going to help me, I am ready to kill people here!". So finally I went to a hormone specialists in Denver (I live in MN and travel to Denver for work, and someone recommended him). The first thing he told me was to get off the pill and get an IUD. He said the pill makes your body think it's pregnant so it quits producing hormones. When you are younger, you produce enough so it's OK. When you are older, though, you don't have enough. He put me on biodentical hormone cream from a compound pharmacy and on thyroid pills. It was an instant cure. No headaches, no hot flashes, no anger, no depression, energy level is better now too. Unbelievable. And i have several friends who have said their ob/gyn's say the same thing. Because they are on the pill they don't need any treatment. Not sure why so many doctors and women put up with hormonal symptoms when they really don't have to. You might want to check in with a hormone specialist in your area if you can find one. You can also do saliva tests through the mail. My doctor uses blood tests. But you really shouldn't have to suffer this way. I hope you can find some relief.