Thread: i have questions...help!

so.. here is my story. stopped my periods abruptly in april 2009 ( age 52) . no problems! perfect! just stopped and i was in awe of how easy that was! exactly 1 year later, i started to get hot flashes so incredibly severe every 45 minutes , night and day...cannot describe the devestation this created.why would this happen?Finally was bawling my eyes out with each hot flash and not slept in months. Went to dr in absolute desperation and was put on bioidentical hormones( did NOT want to do this!)but i was left with now options. hot flashes are gone and sleeping now! however, the daily struggle with severe anxiety since this all started is beyond words. been to hospital 2 times with panic attacks (thought i was dying!) and a trip on and off paxil because it did not work. I am barely functioning due to anxiety. I know anxiety can be part of menopause, but when does it end ? If i am taking bioidentical hormones, am i just prolonging menopause? i am not sure about any of this. i have read that anxiety can be temporary during menopause... but what the hec does that mean? if i cannot find a solution soon...i will be done, won.t be able to work or participate in anything . anybody offer any suggestions or similar experiences would be soooo appreciated!