Dear Michelle,

I completely understand where you are coming from!!! I was first introduced to the synthetic hormones in Feb. 1990 and 6 months later I had a stroke. No one ever related the use of HRT to my stroke. I remained on the medication for 12 years until the negative press about clots and strokes when taking these drugs caused me to discontinue their use. During the intervening 2 years I subscribed to Life Extension Foundation and seriously pursued the benefits of bioidentical HRT. Last October 2004 I saw my gynecologist because my post menopausal symptoms had returned (gradually over time) with a vengence. I was told -- and I quote: "you are not telling me anything that isn't normal for a woman your age!" He obviously couldn't care less since I refused the standard treatment and he was not interested in BHRT.

After reading an interview with Suzanne Somers in an issue of Life Extension, I asked my primary care doctor to do a complete blood workup for hormone levels and when the results came back my hormone levels were non-existant, while my thyroid was being bombarded. It was like cranking the starter on the car with a dead battery. I had been researching Dr. Christianne Northrup's books as well as the information gleaned from the Suzanne Somers' article from which I had determined, that my life had been a series of hormone imbalance symptoms.

Space does not permit the pain and suffering I have been through, because of the traditional closed-mined attitudes of the "medical profession." I am truly blessed because of the wonderful physician who has joined with me to monitor the progress I have made on a full regimen of BHRT, vitamins/herbs & supplements. His response has been, "Whatever you're doing, keep it up. You get younger every time I see you." He is a geriatric physician who only sees patients in their homes or senior care facilities.

Since I began this glorious trip back to living, I have lost 14 lbs.(NO DIET) I eat anything I want whenever I want. I no longer suffer with plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, hiatial herna, obscure abdominal pains, lower back and hip pain, dry mucous membranes especially my eyes, ears, nose and mouth where my tongue would stick to the roof of my mouth in the middle of the night. It felt like it was burned like when drinking very hot coffee. Also, no more leaking bladder or urge to urinate. I am more mentally alert and have a whole new sense of being female. I am constantly being complemented on my appearance and attitude. It has only been less then 7 months and I feel that I can look forward to becoming more involved with life and all it has to offer.

Three years ago my beloved husband died after 20 years of recurrent cancer and 2 years ago this coming August my only child (an adopted daughter) lost her battle with breast cancer when she was 45 years old. Both my little poodles passed away (one on the anniversary of his death and one on my wedding anniversary). So, I am on my own and have no time for any pain or illness that can be prevented and not allowed to develop into a terminal illness or debilitating condition requiring a full-time care facility. I am now 73 and intend to be self-sufficient and productive as long as I Iive!

(Name and location omitted for privacy)

Your story brings me to tears; that of joy that you've finally found something that works for you, and also the sorrow I feel because you lost your beloved husband and daughter. Life has many twists and turns, as you know at 73. A lot of time we're dealt things that we never thought we'd be faced with but we are, and clearly you're a survivor. You're so right when you stated that you don't have time for pain and suffering. Life is far to precious and quality of life is even more precious. Your story truly touches my heart, as a lot of the symptoms of what you've experienced, are also the same symptoms I experienced at the age of 44.

-- Michelle