I was a real 'mess', mentally and physically until my family doctor suggested that I try compounded bioidentical HRT. She referred my to an OBGYN who had me do a saliva test to check my hormone levels. After getting results, meds were compounded specifcially for me. After about two weeks, I was not having hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, which was causing me to feel like I had a UTI. I just felt better all over! I have continued to stay on the bioidentical HRT for 13 years (I am now 68). My doctor makes sure that I get my annual mammogram which she gets the full report and compares to previous year along with a saliva test to make sure everything is balanced and nothing is too high or too low. She will not refill my bioidentical HRT unless I do the annual mammogram and saliva testing. She works with the compounding pharmacy if changes should be made. I cannot stress how it would benefit every woman to be able to have this as a choice to their medical care as they reach menopause. I plan on bioidentical HRT aways being a part of my medical care plan. It has been a true blessing. Central Compounding Center in Durham, NC and Dr. Sheila Allison, MD/Raleigh, NC are the best around. I don't know what I would have done without them! Please support a woman's right to choose with her doctor if bioidentical HRT is right for her when she reaches this stage in her life.