choc57, Im so sorry to read about your husband, and can appreciate the effect both mentally and physically his death must have played on your body. Its good to hear you are at least more settled mentally now, and feel you probably could sleep through apart from the dreaded night sweats. I agree with the excellent advice given by the others, and cant see any harm in giving yourself an HRT holiday, for a few months and see how you feel afterwards. It will become obvious quickly, if the HRT is working and easing the sweats. I didn't take HRT, have had night sweats for past 14 years, they are almost non existent now, only if I had a few glasses of wine would I really be aware ! However, the middle years wasn't pleasant. Treat it almost like a controlled study ! Then depending on if you really benefit , as I have a feeling you will, you can reconsider your next course of action.