Hi toffeecushion - welcome
The general consensus is positive in favour of HRT but it is really a personal choice (or should be) and depends on your symptoms, age and other health issues.
The risks below the age of 60 are really very small and in fact there are many health benefits e.g. maintaining bone density, reducing heart disease, not to mention getting your life back after suffering awful hot flushes, sleepless nights etc. I believe, in time, it will be given as a preventative for many women, particularly as lower doses are the way forward as you get older.
There is a very good thread under 'All Things Menopause' (HRT good or bad) and it's well worth reading all the info under the headings along the left of this screen. There is a decision Tree to help you if need be. In the left hand list there is a heading 'News' and in that list is the latest 'BMS Council statement' which may very well be the answer you need.
Unfortunately many of us find GPs are very ill informed about HRT with many simply refusing to give HRT on the basis that it is dangerous - many are still believing the flawed study that was published around 8-10 year ago about the additional risk of breast cancer. There is some info about this somewhere on this site. If you are below 51 it is, in fact, important you have HRT as a preventative unless you have other health issues that prevent taking HRT.
We are all here to help so if you wish to share your symptoms and concerns - there are loads of ladies with very broad experiences here to support you.
Good luck. DG
