I hate to add more bad news, but some women - myself included - experience symptoms beyond 12 years! I had early menopause, which started before 40, and I still have bouts that come and go (63), BUT, I still have my small waistline! Not as small as before, but I still got it. Like you, I've always had a small waist and big hips. I REFUSE to lose my shapeliness that has always made me feel super sexy. So there's that... :-)