At this point, most doctors prescribe something knowing what the possible side-effects are but feeling it balances off from the possible side effects of not taking the prescription. My approach has been to take the best care of myself possible, which is to lose 10 pounds, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more water, take Mexican Wild Yam, etc. I'm 53 and so far, so good. But I haven't entered menopause yet. Remember that a lot of women sail fairly smoothly into the later years of their lives.
Prayer works great, also.
We all laugh. We all hurt. We all make mistakes. We all dream. It's a journey.