You're welcome pricey, it's great on here as we can all help each other, and I've found that just knowing I'm not the only one who feels like they're going lala is the biggest help of all! For a few months before I went into menopause my cycle got closer together rather than further apart, also the colour of the blood seemed to darken, so watch out for that as a sign. Then my periods stopped suddenly, I had another one about 3 months later, then one about a year later, now nothing for around four years. Everyone goes into it differently, but it certainly sounds like you're getting nearer that time to me.
My flushes started out weak, barely noticeable, now are at full strength. You can definitely feel when they're coming, a sort of build-up, then for me now an outright surge that takes my breath away. When they happen try just deep breathing through it, that does work. It's the feeling of anxiety and being out of control that I like the least. Since I posted for the first time yesterday, a lot of the ladies came on with advice about the anxiety side - have a look if you get the chance, my post is near yours on the new members section. Good luck again, and keep posting what's happening to you - guaranteed there will be loads of us experiencing the same x