I wanted to jump in on this conversation about HRT. I am 77 years old and have been on HRT (Estradiol) for 27 years (post hysterectomy). When I started menopause I was living in Albuquerque, NM. , had a female gynecologist about my age. She strongly encouraged me to read the Women's Health Initiative Report of 2002. She said the study was deeply flawed and after reading it and using my somewhat limited knowledge of statistics I had to agree. Since then I have had two male GYN's who both agreed that taking HRT is a quality of life issue. They have both said that taking women off HRT in the early 2000's was a disservice to most women who had no contraindications to taking HRT. My current male GYN said that women who use HRT tend to have better collagen in their skin and are healthier. I do not have a family hx. of breast cancer and no other medical contraindications to using Estradiol. My bone density tests indicate normal bone density. Incidentally my mother died at age 71 from issues related to severe osteoporosis. I know of other women who have taken Fosamax and were unfortunate enough to be in the small group who developed necrosis of the jaw. I have also noticed that the RX meds to restore bone are extremely expensive. I currently pay $12 for a 90 day supply of Estradiol from Sam's Club. I also live on the Mexico border and HRT is available in Mexico without a prescription. Obviously HRT may not be for everyone but for many of us it is appropriate. I don't plan to ever discontinue unless absolutely medically contraindicated. Fran.