You've heard of "Dear Abby", now we've got "Dear Minnie" to respond to your questions about going through menopause or just getting through the "middle-rages" and making sense of all the issues that only a woman who has gone through it could do!
"Minnie" will answer as many of your questions as possible about where to find the information you need to make your life (as it is now) easier! "Minnie" cannot answer medical questions, but she will try to direct you to the best possible place to get answers, whether it is an internet site or a specialist in your area.

Dear Minnie:
I am sooooo hot at night, which of course makes my insomnia even worse. I happen to be a peri-menopausal woman with a five year old son and three cats. To make my own hot flashes worse, they all want to sleep next to or on top of me, while my husband has one whole half of the king size bed to himself. Here's my question: what can I cover myself with at night, that would provide some warmth without feeling like a lead weighted electric blanket. I currently use a quilt - would a lightweight down comforter/blanket be better? A sheet is just not enough for me. Help!........Barbara
 

Dear Barbara:
I can really feel for you with this one! I cannot stand to be hot at night, but I have to cover myself with something. (Where in the world are you that you are talking about quilts and electric blankets in July?) No wonder you're so hot! Really though, my solution is to have a slight breeze blowing on me. Can you get one of those small desk fans that would sit on your nightstand? Another solution that wouldn't bother anyone else would be a Chillow cooling device that slides into your pillowcase. You can check this out here: Chillow
Be sure to mention "Minnie" and you'll get a 15% discount!  My last suggestion is to hide catnip somewhere under your husband's pillow!

Stay Cool,
Minnie

Dear Minnie:
My husband and I went to the doctor on Friday because I just haven't been myself for the past few months.  We went in and the doc ask what was new my husband said she has something taking her over.  What can I do to get him and my children to understand what I am feeling? Thanks, Penny
 

Dear Penny,
First of all, I think it's great that your husband went to the doctor with you! I definitely feel that shows he's trying to understand. Sometimes we get defensive when there's really no way for family members to figure out what's "different" about us. The first thing you can do is have your husband look at this page.   Then order "No, It's Not Hot In Here" , A Husbands Guide to Menopause  by Dick Roth (last book in the list). I really believe that involving the family in the research and talking openly about what you're experiencing will help them understand what you're going through. That doesn't mean they're going to like it though! :)

Sincerely,
Minnie