Don't go there Lucy! Avoid HRT at all costs, if possible.

My mum has been struggling (on and off) through menopause for almost five years now, but she thinks it's worth it not to have to take HRT. She does use natural therapies to help her with her hot flushes (her biggest problem). My grandmother has been on HRT for many years, and two years ago was diagnosed with breast cancer which the Drs are pretty sure was caused by the HRT.

Also, it's widely accepted that HRT only suppresses menopausal symptoms......so in other words, once you're on it, you're on it for life. If you try to come off it, or even reduce your dose, you'll find the symptoms resurfacing. Which is why my mum won't take it, as she figures she'll probably have to go through the symptoms at some point.

Obviously some people really NEED HRT for various reasons, but if you can avoid it, it seems to be the best way!