Would you take HRT? with all its scares? or would you put up with the symptoms of the menopause?

this is a real dilema for a lot of women - what would you choose or what have you chosen? what have your experiences been?

It depends on the severity of your menopausal symptoms, as well as how old you are. Women who have surgery to remove ovaries need HRT. Also, if menopausal symptoms severely impact your life, it is a relief when you take them. HRT is a very individual treatment and the risks and benefits need to be discussed with your doctor. Like the pill, smoking and risk for blood clots need to be considered. I took HRT for about 5 years after surgery. If not I would have been going through menopause with a 2 year old. Not fun

have you thought of trying phytoestrogen?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/ask_the_doct...
reports are conflicting - but the bbc link above seems balanced and does end up by suggesting tht it could well be a good idea to increase the phyoestrogens in your diet. dietary supplements are available too

Big decision. Ring NHS direct on 08454647. They will give you professional, helpful and fully confidential advice.
Best wishes J

Coping well without thanks.

I am now 59. I started the menopause in my forties. Day/night sweats, suddenly being a bit 'thick' at daily tasks etc were bad but I could have put up with that. However, it was like a complete personality change and I was upsetting everyone. In my mind it was never my fault but I just felt awful at this unknown person I had became. I asked my GP about going on HRT wanting his opinion regarding the increased risk of Breast Cancer etc. I was really annoyed at him as his words were "Well, it may knock 10 yrs off your life but what do you want 20 good years or 30 bad ones?". I was soon to realise just how wise his words were. It took another 2 years before I decided to risk HRT. Started in the March and things didn't dramatically change. It was suddenly when on holiday in August that I realised the different person I had became, I was sooooo enjoying life, not anxious or biting peoples heads off. In total I was on HRT for about 14 yrs. I came off for 7 months about 6 yrs ago, sweats etc again and yes the personality change so I went back on it. I could have just kept on indefinitely as I was feeling so good but I knew this would never be recommended so last Oct after reading it was better to wean yourself off rather just suddenly stop I began missing a tablet each day and so on until at New Year I was off completely. It has been different this time, I have had mild sweats but now just now and again and now not very often, can't think when I last had one. My personality seems fine just as I was pre Menopausal. I'm no medical expert but wonder if it is an age thing that perhaps I have just reached the age when symptoms would have disappeared anyway. I have just had the result of a routine Mamogram and it was satisfactory. They say HRT keeps you young and I would certainly agree with that as I do notice when I look in the mirror in the mornings since shortly after coming off there is another line or droop in my face and it's not imagination. That's my experience for what it's worth and I would not advise anyone to go or not to go on HRT I can only speak for myself. The type I was on which would be unusual I think now still gave you a monthly bleed. This was never particularly heavy and I didn't change my HRT as I felt what I was on agreed with me so much. However, it is a bonus at this age not to be having this any more. Good luck what ever you decide to do.