I thought I'd start this thread because I seem to reply to lots of posts saying the same thing.
I know that some women don't want HRT and that's a personal choice. On the other hand though it can be fantastic for women who are really suffering and who have tried everything else to no avail.
There is also a lot of mis-information about HRT based on the now-reviewed research done 10 years ago that showed certain risks and these have now been shown to be exaggerated.
HRT usually works really well for hot flushes, night sweats, dry vagina and bladder problems, low bone density, joint pain, memory, moods, and a whole load of other stuff.
There is now a lot of evidence that taken within 10 years of the menopause it reduces heart disease by 50% ( the biggest killer in the UK) and also reduces risk of colon cancer.
I'm not saying it's right for everyone but all I'd say is if you are suffering then make an effort to read all the research out there then make your choice. Websites like //www.menopausematters.co.uk and the British Menopause Society have unbiased and expert content that's worth reading.
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Menopause
The benefits of HRT -on going discussion
pinkfrocks · 28/10/2014 12:50
Thanks for this - you also replied to my post a few days ago.
My doctor is on holiday at the moment so went to see one of his partners today with a view to getting some blood tests etc that my regular doc can look at when I see him in 2 weeks time. I explained the situation to him - aching legs, esp after exercise, aching hips which wake me at night and in the morning, extreme stiffness after sitting for a spell, hot spells and I say "spells" because they last for hours and severe headaches ...he asked me if i was sure it wasn't pain from exercising !!!!!! Really - do they think we are idiots? I know what the symptoms were before I went on HRT and I see that they are the same now - but worse! He even said that leg pains are not a symptom of menopause!
He has arranged to have a variety of blood tests done to look at arthritis, inflammation, bone density etc so at least that is something. He said that my regular doctor is not keen on HRT so that chat is still to come. It feels like an uphill battle. 
Yes I understand that sentiment and only someone who has suffered to that extent will do. The lucky ones who say " Why don't you just try agnus castus" ( as if you are a moron) are lucky to walk away alive 
A whole generation of women have missed out on the very many benefits of HRT. And this is why:-
There was a study done (possibly 10 or so years ago), where it stated that there was a slight increase in breast cancer in some women when they take HRT. (emphasis on the words slight and some).
Anyway, the Press ran with it as they do, in a BIG way and completely exaggerated the risks, which resulted in millions of women being too scared to take it.
Women started deserting HRT in their droves. GPs also jumped on the bandwagon (guided by Health Guidelines) during this time and added to the general hysteria by advising against it. (And even when women had the sense to make up their own minds and give it a go, the doctors would try and whip them off it by the age of 60)
As a result, countless women have decided to battle through the menopause and put up with symptoms such as horrendous sweating, vaginal dryness, lack of libido, mental fog, to name just a few symptoms.
Doctors were also quick to point out that Menopause is a natural thing you know! and all part of aging and we women should put up with it
(interesting to note that impotence in men is also a natural part of ageing but they aren't advised to not take Viagra just in case it increases their chances of a heart attack. 
Anyway, now the hysteria is dying down a bit, and women are realizing that the benefits FAR outweigh the risks and we shouldn't have to put up with horrendous symptoms associated with the Menopause. Women are requesting it again.
Some GPs are back on board again, but it is still an ongoing battle to get others to prescribe HRT.
Luckily there are GPs that are keeping up with the latest views.
In fact I might have that saying printed on a piece of card and laminated for future use.
When I'm 60 (or God forbid sooner) and the GP wants to take me off HRT because it's so evil 
I can whip the card out to show her. It sums it all up in a nutshell!
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