My doctor told me that when female hormones decrease, the adrenals are supposed to take over; but my adrenals were shot. Also I'm small boned and osteopaenic. Hormones have helped my body to continue functioning well - 80 IS the new 40! I'm still playing actively in the opera orchestra, teaching, biking for errands, gardening, living life fully. I can't do a controlled experiment, obviously, but I know that I'm doing well and better than many friends (still have my own knees and hips!). I also appreciate that the compounded hormones are made specifically for my body's needs - we do blood tests every 6 months and tweak the formula as needed. One size never fits all. Compounding is the only accurate answer.