Hi Betty
![welcomemm :welcomemm:](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/welcomemm.gif)
The studies which led to these scare stories have been discredited and women are now advised that HRT is the best treatment for menopausal symptoms such as flushes, sweats, joint pain and low mood - with very few medical contra-indications.
This argument has been made several times - about going through the menopause when (if) you stop HRT. The thing is you have been through menopause so you won't go through it again. Some women can expect to experience those symptoms ( flushes, sweats, low mood, not coping with life's stresses etc) for 10 years or more. If you decide to take HRT, even if you only take it for 10 years - you will have had 10 years of feeling better and coping instead of 10 years feeling rough and not coping - so you will have had 10 years of improved quality of life. Forget about what happens if/when you decide to stop. It's the here and now which is important!
I started HRT at around your age and still on it 10 years later in my mid 60's. No-one can take away those years and I have done some great things and enjoyed life - and still do! I don't plan to stop yet provided my health stays good but may do at some point ( when I'm 70 perhaps I might tail off or perhaps not?). Many gynaes are now saying women can stay on it for ever provided they are otherwise healthy
![Smiley :)](https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/Smileys/extended/smiley.gif)
The best thing you can do to minimise risks is to make sure you look after your general health - and that is - keep your weight down ( within normal BMI limits) take more exercise, get fresh air, eat a healthy diet full of fruit and veg and fresh ingredients - cutting out sugar and refined carbs as well as excess fat , reducing alcohol intake and stopping smoking if you need to. Then you can enjoy the benefits of HRT in the knowledge that you have done all you can for yourself.
Don't be scared - once you get used to the idea it's quite easy!
If you decide you want to try it - then have a look at the different HRT preparations ( top tabs, pale green banner - Treatments/HRT preparations) and then make an appointment with your doc. Do ask us anything further or any concerns you may have and we can try to help
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Hurdity x