I had a hysterectomy at 36 due to severe bleeding from fibroid tumors, but they didn't remove my ovaries. When I was 48 I began to experience vaginal dryness, and my gynecologist prescribed HRT. The results were immediate and I felt great. I continued over the years and kept up with the data and there are no indications of any problems. I fired two gynecologists who insisted I stop taking them. I now have one who gives me the facts but allows me to make my own decisions. Yes, there is a chance of blood clots, but I'm willing to take that chance to live a full live. No one lives forever. I'm now on 0.45 mg of Premarin and continue to feel wonderful. I still work full time, have an active sex live, and I'm now 81. Why are women not demanding a substitute for estrogen or for something that PREVENTS menopause? Thank goodness for the Mayo Clinic website - my insurance is now refusing to cover Premarin and the Mayo Clinic recommended a online pharmacy in Canada where the price is half what it was even with my insurance. I do realize that there are indications that HRT is not for every woman due to underlying health conditions, but surely we can demand that scientists pay more attention to women's health throughout their lives, not just during the child bearing years.