Hi and welcome to MM
Yes, you can start to get hot flushes some time after the periods have stopped. Once the natural cycle stops the oestrogen levels continue to drop and often bottom out up to two years after that. Meno symptoms can increase over this time and nobody can tell you when or if these symptoms will subside. Most women find flushes will reduce over 2-4 years once periods stop but the effects of oestrogen deficiency e.g. Joint pains, gastic issues, insomnia etc. will often continue. Lifestyle changes can help so concentrating on eating well, keeping weight under control, lots of brisk walking and good relaxation techniques can really help.
If flushes etc are really reducing your quality of life then it's definitely worth trying HRT. HRT does protect joints and the heart, reduces aches and pains and can work wonders in many ways - its not a cure all and it doesn't suit everyone but it's worth a try. DG x
