Hormone Replacement Therapy - my choice

At the age of 30, my left ovary was removed due to a benign tumor. At 40, I had a hysterectomy due to fibroids, endometriosis and adenomyosis. I was adamant that the surgeon leave my one remaining ovary as I did not want to go through surgically induced menopause at 40 - I was really frightened at the thought of weight gain, hot flashes and looking and acting like an old woman. My doctor strongly advised that I have the one remaining ovary removed because of my history but I insisted and he finally agreed. Because of the one working ovary I didn't need to take HRT and the recovery was uneventful, as were the next 8 years. When I finally did start menopause, at 48, I elected to take HRT for hot flashes, night sweats and a host of other typical menopausal symptoms. I also had osteoporosis and the HRT was to treat that also. I took the pills for 7 years at which time my doctor advised that I stop them. I did, but at a price. The hot flashes, insomnia, "brain fog", etc returned. I chose to use some over the counter herbal remedies which did help some and after a couple of years, I was feeling comfortable again. And of course, the OTC remedies did not help the osteoporosis. I began taking Actonel, a medication to treat osteoporosis, but stopped due to the development of esophagitis. I'm not sorry I took HRT - it made a difficult time of my life more bearable and it did put off the worsening of the osteoporosis. I only take calcium, vitamin D, fish oil and a multivitamin now, and half a children's dose of benadryl at night to help with sleep (recommended by my ICU nurse daughter!). I am aware of the risks associated with HRT, but I think I would still take it if I had to do it over again - just maybe not for so long. I am opposed to taking prescription meds except in the most demanding of circumstances. I believe natural health is the way to go and it is working for me.