Hi my first time on here... I took HRT (hormonin) for about 8 years after I had hysterectomy at the young age of 32, I managed very well for about 10 years, but felt really unwell and depressed when I hit 42 years and had problems with a stress incontinence. Doc said my hormone levels were way down and we decided on the HRT and it may help with the incontinence. I was fine with it had no side effects. But in my infinite wisdom decided to stop taking it when I hit 54 as I had been on it a long time and the HRT nurse said I ought to think about not taking it. My God what a mistake I have suffered with night sweats and constant hot flushing aching muscles especially before hot flush comes on, nausea, weight gain, no libido, sleepless nights, I could go on... I have tried sage, serenity cream, starflower and evening primrose (which did help slightly) black cosh nothing really helped. So went back to docs and he agreed in the end I could try the HRT again. Been taking it for a week now, slight headache for a few days, but seems ok now, and I have slept all night for the last 3 nights. Flushes down to about 2 or 3 per day, so fingers crossed it's starting to work. Sorry to go on !!