In all, I would say that almost 7 years post menopause, it was not that bad. I did have hot flashes for years, in addition to the "down there" problem. But, I didn't have anything else. I never took anything for the hot flashes. In fact, the first year after my period stopped, I felt great. I always had miserable pms,and for that to go was the best. I haven't had any emotional or cognitive side effects and I am doing well in my graduate program, so I guess my brain is still there!
I do think however, that the onset of my Fibromyalgia symptoms is related to menopause. In retrospect, I have had this since my teens, but something triggered it to get worse when my periods stopped after a couple of years. I have to be really careful with overdoing it with my exercise, but I still do stuff 5-6 days a week. What gets me mad is that people with diseases much worse do much more than I do. I am still working to find the perfect balance.
Truthfully, I don't like the idea of looking "old." I think right now I look pretty good for a 55 year old. My weight is fine, but I have to watch what I eat a lot more carefully. My hair isn't thin and my skin is OK. I readily spend a lot of $ on my hair to look good. I do have some pretty bad "laugh lines" which did not just appear at menopause; they've been developing since my thirties. Both my mom and dad had them. I am *thinking* of maybe doing a dermal filler, because they really bother me. It's like when I put my helmet on or a ski hat, it's all you see on my face. Before anyone shoots me, since I am switching careers, I don't want my age to work against me when I apply for a job in 2.5 years. I will be almost 58 and believe me, there is such a thing as age discrimination. Other than that, I think I could pass for 10 years younger than I am.
And, as Mimi said, with age comes wisdom. Sometimes, I feel like the "crotchety old lady" when I am around screaming babies, etc. I don't want to go back. Both of my grandmothers were beautiful until the day they died at ages 91 and 92. My mom died young from a rare type liver disease, but until she got sick, we shared clothes and passed for sisters. She was active even when working out was not fashionable. It's all in the attitude. My aunt, who is 70, lost her husband at 52. She has colitis and just complains about everything and is a pitiful angry person. And she wonders why I don't want a relationship with her anymore!