I'm 58 and have been in menopause for four years. I thought i was getting off scot-free. I have been enjoying the absence of periods, which are so messy and smelly. I lived in fear of having an accident.

But this recent very intense episode of high mood, like nothing i've ever experienced before, has got me concerned that menopause is the culprit. It's my first episode of high mood in menopause.

My doctor said that hormone replacement therapy for bipolar is not effective. The question of whether it would help with my weight and muscle-wasting is still up in the air, tho.

My pit and leg hair grows very slowly. Unfortunately, the hair on my head also grows very slowly. Since i shaved my head early last Winter, it's been a real sorrow. I now have just enough to style and look decent, but it's by no means pretty. I do a spiky hairdo, and can get away with it, but i still feel it's unflattering. My many shades of gray/white color are nice, but with my pale skin, i look a bit washed-out. I am considering dying it purple. I love purple! It's so pretty!