"HOT FLASHES" Timing is everything in managing them. So how old are you today?. and you couldn't sleep all night yesterday because of them. So now is the right time to start HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), take the real diamond (the proper commercial drug) not naturopathic or homeopathic. They have not been scientifically tested and they do not really help. While all HRT carries some risks, but they are very useful in giving you a new lease of life, no hot flashes, good sleep, and happy sexual interludes. It prevents the long term side affects of menopause such as Osteoporosis , Bladder control, and newly diagnosed Diabetes. If you are between 45 and 60, now is the best time to start to enjoy life. See a doctor who is familiar with all forms of HRT and have it tailored to your needs. Use of custom-compounded bio identical therapy is not recommended. Special care has to be taken if there is risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke, ischemic, heart disease. The risk of breast cancer in women over fifty years is a complex issue and needs very special attention. In women with premature or surgical menopause HRT, should be given up to the age of normal menopause. There is a lot more to menopause than this brief summary. DO NOT BE AFRAID of HRT or MHT, do not suffer and enjoy life.