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What do you think about HRT (hormone replacement therapy)? I'm 56 years old and I have been told that I have osteoporosis.

My PhD is in psychology, but I'm not sure that it makes any difference in answering this question. The difficulty is that there is so little research in the field of menopause and the later stages of a woman's life. My suggestion is to ask around and find the doctor who seems to care the most about women's issues, seems the most knowledgeable and whom you trust. Then do what they say, while you are still researching and asking around more.

We've been thinking about starting a menopausal women's support group, so as to have a place to sound off, share information and do the best we can. I have found helpful information from a well-respected local health food store. At this point, most doctors prescribe something knowing what the possible side-effects are but feeling it balances off from the possible side effects of not taking the prescription. My approach has been to take the best care of myself possible, which is to lose 10 pounds, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink more water, take Mexican Wild Yam, etc. I'm 53 and so far, so good. But I haven't entered menopause yet.

Remember that a lot of women sail fairly smoothly into the later years of their lives. I am taking the best care of myself that I know how; so far it's working. Prayer works great, also.

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