It's also politically and personally controversial. Amid the clamor of conflicting positions, women are asked to make medical decisions that determine the quality and length of their lives. In order to make the best choice for herself, a woman needs confidence, self respect and accurate, relevant information.
Some women lack all three.
HRT or Not The most life-challenging decision for a woman approaching menopause concerns osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Do not take HRT and reduce the cancer risk but increase the odds for developing osteoporosis, heart attack or stroke. Take estrogen straight and chances for ovarian cancer go up. Take estrogen with progesterone and chances for ovarian cancer go down. A woman needs to prepared to get second, third and even fourth medical opinions before embarking on any drastic physical intervention.