Hello Lynda07 my symptoms became much worse post menopause. They have eased off from what they were, i.e night heats not as bad. However I couldn't take the continous waking up after 8 years and I'd also reached a stage where I couldn't get up off the sofa, or walk up the stairs without great difficulty. I then decided to try HRT. Aches and pains so much better and I can walk up the stairs, but still having night heats. I'm still trying to get my dosage right and I would suggest starting low and working your way up. I've been dosing up and down on gel, but listened to the wise words of Dotty about being patient 'whilst your oestrogen tank fills up'. Im now on Evorel 50 conti combined patch, but I've been cutting it in half to take it slowly. I always believed there was going to be a time when I would pop out the other end, it seems to happen for some women, but I don't believe that of me now, hence HRT. Think seriously about having another try and good luck x Watch the Liz Earle YouTube video on her menopause. Its what finally persuaded me. x