I'm not going to sugar coat this- for medical reasons and to prevent cancer, I had no choice but to remove my female organs...all of them. I was made to believe that since I'm 47 and likely perimenopausal, I shouldn't suffer any ill effects hormonally. Gentlemen, this is incorrect and I have suffered greatly. I wouldn't wish these physical and mental effects on my worst enemy. I have suffered from so many horrendous night sweats (about 15 each night) and each lasts about 10 minutes or more. Tell me how a woman is suppose to function when she's not able to sleep due to night sweats? The hot flashes during the day are bad enough. My family wanted me out of the house at night because they all just about froze to death. My hair started falling out and still is. And my mental capacity and attitude were always kind and loving...it seems I'm bitchy to just about everyone and I seem to have lost my mothering compassion. Honestly, I'd rather be dead than to be without cBHRT because it has saved mine and my family and coworkers lives as well.