Starting HRT was life altering! Within a week I felt 100% better. Over the years I have taken a break from them for various reasons, thinking I would no longer need them. Within a few days I again experienced debilitating symtoms - dramatic hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia. I take no other drugs. I get a bone scan every five years and it is always better than the norm. My only irritation is that insurance does not cover the cost for bioidentical hormones BUT pays for synthetic.