Having become mentally ill and cognitively impaired during the menopause I don't ever plan to come off HRT. The age group for women with the highest suicide rate per 100,000 in the U.K is 50-54, the average age of menopause is 51; as far as I am aware no research has been done to establish a causal link, but I know from my own experience that the menopause, for some women, can be almost impossible to navigate. Fortunately my (female) GP is clued up on the menopause and recognised it as the cause of my inability to function, which was a blessing for me as I hadn't connected my symptoms to the menopause - I just thought I was going mad.
I am now on a very low dose of HRT, taken every other day; I muddled up my meds one week when I was away from home and missed taking three doses - I found I simply couldn't function. Recent 'spotting' had me nervously awaiting the consultant's diagnosis as I was worried he might suggest I come off HRT, but instead he said that because of a slight gynae problem I have that he recommends I stay on it at my current dose forever. I honestly could have kissed him!