I am 62 and use 1 mg Estradiol Patches...I was on .05 but it didn't help much. I went through menopause as well around 52-53 and had to have a hysterectomy. I'm not sure I will ever get off the HRT because I am always so low that it affects me and I have arthritis in several areas. I'm much less sore than when not using them. I was off it before and after my knee replacement for about 6 months and I had to get back on. I use patches as they are less likely to cause blood clots etc....I honestly think we as women need it until we die to maintain what we had before menopause.