I started hormone replacement therapy in my 30's, in the form of contraceptive pills, to treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis. The treatment succeeded with the gynecological issues, but I was forced to stop treatment, due to adverse affects on my stomach lining which had become so inflamed that I was in terrible pain and unable to eat. My gynecologist then suggested an estrogen patch. This, too, was very effective for a time, but I quickly developed an intolerance to the patch, with severe allergic skin reaction. Upon cessation of the treatment, I experienced crippling effects of hormone imbalance, including extreme depression, panic attacks, heart arrhythmias and severe night sweats. My Naturopathic doctor then recommended trying bioidentical hormone replacement treatment. I have now been using the estradiol drops for about five years with NO side effects. When I tried to wean myself off the hormone, I experienced a resurgence of severe hot flashes, inability to concentrate, nervousness and depression. In short, hormone replacement therapy is essential to my well-being, and bioidentical hormones are the only treatment my system can tolerate. People like me, with multiple chemical sensitivities, and a tendency toward allergic reactions, require the most gentle and natural treatments available. I am so thankful to have this option available to me.