I started HRT with after Manapause, age 47. I just went off HRT (age 74) because I was diagnosed with Stage 1A breast cancer, I had a lumpectomy. The Oncologist said that the pathology report was good in many ways & included ER (Estrogen) & PR (progesteron) positive, meaning I had plenty of receptors for the drugs I'm taking to take hold. However, those receptors also absorb estrogen which hinders treatment. The oncologist said she didn't think HRT caused the cancer, it was, maybe it maybe it didn't. I'm not even close to a Dr., but if I were you I would NOT take hrt unless you've been on it since the beginning of menopause. Good Luck, You'll be fine. PS I've read that taking HRT at menopause or not more than 10 years after that is fine. HRT was wonderful for me, plus I'm about 2" taller than my friends & my bone density is great, per DeXA scan. Plus, no hot flashes, until I went off cold Turkey (so don't do that), sex was great until I went off HRT. Remember, some doctors believe in HRT some do not. It's frutrating.