Relief from hot flashes and night sweats can occur within 2-3 weeks. So you may want to consider therapy if:

• You are bothered by moderate to severe hot flashes or night sweats
• You are healthy
• You and your doctor determine that hormone therapy is right for you, based on your goals and risks

Now here's something that may surprise you. Hormone therapy is not a lifelong commitment

• It is not a lifelong commitment
• Your doctor should prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest time period
• Use only for as long as symptoms persist

• Up to 20% of a woman's lifetime bone loss can occur in the years immediately following menopause
• Significant bone loss can lead to osteoporosis, which is a thinning and weakening of bone that increases the risk for fracture
• The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates 8 million women in the U.S. have osteoporosis
• 1 of 2 American women over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture during her remaining lifetime
• Bone loss accelerates after menopause
• Hormone therapy helps protect against bone loss

• Alternative remedies
• Healthy diet and exercise
• Over-the-counter treatments