So that's nearly 20 years.
I have only ever used compounded bioidentical hormones; I would never use the "unnatural" ones (and you shouldn't either).
It's been great for me. I have more energy than people my age, am healthier (I'd be happy to message you about specifics, if you want), and am generally more cognitively fit.
HRT is highly recommended for those with an ApoE4 allele (the "Alzheimer's gene" ) to help stave off Alzheimer's. You need estrogen (which should never be taken without progesterone) to keep your brain functional.
In addition, the low estrogen levels that occur after menopause are also associated with cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and dementia (even for those without an ApoE4 allele).
When, for a while, I was on too low a dose (my previous gynecologist had become spooked by the thought of side effects), I had symptoms of aging. At my now higher dose, those symptoms are gone.
I'm a big believer in compounded bioidentical HRT and wouldn't consider going without it. I expect to continue taking it until civilization collapses and it's no longer available or until I die, whichever comes first.
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