Ah, Menopause or in Other Words ??????

I am in some stage of menopause, just not sure what that stage is.  Let us look at the word: men-have absolutely nothing to do with it, o-oh, my gosh!, pause-instead of pause why can't we just have quit!  I have been dealing with peri-menopause for about oh 10 years, and as a wise dr. told me once when HE said, "you have to remember it did not start all at once and it won't stop all at once."  Me thinks he should work on his bedside manner because I received absolutely no comfort from that!  I have reached the point where the hot flashes don't come as often, although there is the occassional night sweat.  The mood swings are not as bad as a few years ago, but that is my opinion and I really don't want anyone else's on that.  But guess what is still here??!!  You got it, but I never know when.  I really must lead a dull life when I hit 30 days between and start counting and thinking oh boy is this gonna be it.  Well it's not IT yet.  But I find it oddly strange (is that like de javu (and I know that is spelled wrong) all over again?)  That you are not considered menopausal until you have been without a period for a year.  This is the only condition I know of that you have to have for a year before you know you have it.  Don't ya'll just love being a woman?!