Damn right, the internet can be a lifesaver.
I was 42 when I started hot flushes and diarrhoea.
I was on a forum for people who were withdrawing from prescription meds and sharing tapering and withdrawl tips.
It took me ages to taper, because I was still getting hot and sweats, plus diarrhoea, and it wasn't until a lady on that forum, suggested I look at menopause. She referred me to this site, and she also referred me to Elizabeth Vliet, John Studd, etc etc.
My GP was quite hostile about hrt, but I got tested and she felt my wet neck and was happy to prescribe femoston, but when they didn't work, she got really funny, so I after 3 or so more GPs later, some who refused to read the email from Dr Currie, I got another GP who did read the the email, and was happy to prescribe me patches and utro. After adjusting the patch dose upwards and finding my best way to administer utro (up the chuff) I am now happy, flush free, IBS 85% gone, bowel still not working properly, but working much better than before.
The other GP gave me meds for bowel which had horrible side effects, but why is no one talking about meno?
It should be out in the open.
For Chrissakes, we are not in 19th Century Britain anymore, we are in the 21st century.
Viva the internet.