@Queen - yes you can ask for it. The only reason I think my OB was against it is that she just plain didn't believe me. I don't have good luck with OB's - don't know why.
That is a link to a reasonable explanation of what is measured in the blood test. From what I've read, because of hormone fluctuations, it can take multiple tests to really determine where you are. I was just looking for confirmation of what I was already pretty sure was going on. As I mentionned, my hormone levels were so low, and it had been so long since my last cycle, I started to wonder if I was done with the whole thing. Obviously my hormones fluctuated their way back up since I have had my cycle (twice) since the test.
I am almost 48 now and I've never had a night sweat and I sleep like a baby. I just keep thinking it'll start any day now but so far, not. I do notice that I'm more emotional at different parts of my cycle but that's about it. I guess everyone is different.
ETA - I am far better looking now than I was 20 years ago, probably even 10 years ago too. I think it's because I know how to work every aspect of who I am - clothes that look good, the shoes, the hair, makeup, etc.
I went through menopause at 46..I am almost 57 and I still have hot flashes,I do not take any hormone replacement other than a thyroid medicine for hypothyroidsm..which I discovered a couple of years back.Thant was after my insistance with the Drs that I be tested !!!..Only god knows how much weight I would not have gained if I had been treated early on. hypothyroidsm is very prevalent post menopause.
Yeah, it's amazing the variety of experiences women have going through this. I have a friend that doesn't have the physical symptoms, but she just flips out sometimes and becomes irrationally crazy - apparently her mother experienced peri menopause the same way, but her sister has physical symptoms but is calm emotionally.
Since my hysterectomy 3 1/2 weeks ago I've been experiencing a lot of anxiety, which is also somewhat common. Besides the insomnia (it's 2:42 a.m. right now), the night sweats have been less frequent.
Hang in there, ladies!
I went through it from around 47/48 and it didn't last very long. In the years running up to it I was having a lot of sex with the Man and I do think that helps to stave off symptoms as it keeps hormone levels high.
It's impossible to say whether it was the menopause or the breakup with the Man (which was the big main one when I was 48) which caused my mental and emotional state - going through menopause certainly didn't help. I'd had my tubes tied when I was 42 so that probably made it all a bit different for me anyway.
I didn't find there was much if any loss of libido afterwards - certainly not when there was a man around; though it has made it possible for me to survive long periods of celibacy with relative equanimity
The thing which does bother me is dry skin, which I've always had - it's got steadily worse; thinning hair and dry scalp too, ugh
Not sure whether I'm in or not 😉 Im almost 51, and have an occasional hot flash, not every day even, and I sleep like a baby. My libido went through the roof a few years back. Still is way "too" high, and I don't even have a man....unfortunately. I still have my periods, like before, and feel very healthy and alive 
My mother came into menopause late, and at 71, still have hot flashes that drive her crazy. I have read about the progesteron cream, can it be ordered online? A friend, who is a gynecologist, mentioned testosteron cream as well, to raise the libido, very small amounts supervised by the doctor so no growing beard or anything like that. They just don't "advertise" it for their clients. God forbid that hoards of horny middleaged women wanting more sex should come knocking....