I just got told that I have early stage cataracts. I'm kind of young for that but where I live is extremely sunny. Well, when I googled "cataracts," I read that HRT increases the risk of developing them! HRT does other bad things, so I totally would support anyone avoiding it as a remedy. I think it "goes against nature" to put these hormones into our systems. In my case, however, the hot flashes were just so severe and such a source of stress. I want to try and ween off of them, myself.

I heard this saying: "Definition of a medication: a poison with beneficial side effects." I totally endorse that. As a nurse, I've learned that there is absolutely no medication that doesn't have a downside.

I'm glad you feel better, Terry. What I found true for myself, and others have said the same, is that a real peri-menopausal "hot flash" is like nothing else I ever experienced in my life. And I always blushed very easily. It's not like blushing, or like the flush that comes with exercise. For me, it would feel almost like sunburn sometimes. I toughed it out for 4 years, before asking for anything that would stop it. Everyone is different. I hope you won't have severe symptoms. Some women don't.