Any hope for those of us who CAN'T take HRT?

Have you investigated whether in fact there is a high risk for you? So many doctors are completely out of date with the latest research on the menopause. Check out the NICE guidelines on the menopause so you are properly informed. Ask for a referral to a menopause clinic where specialists will be able to explain what, if any, the risks are.
I do not have the breast cancer gene. You can have that checked.
I have chosen quality of life and will be taking HRT for ever.

Thank you Esspee for your response. No, I've not investigated how high-risk I am, it's simply the fact that having seen what my mother went through, and knowing that HRT does have a possible side effect of an increased risk of breast cancer, regardless of how slight, it honestly scares the hell out me! Perhaps I should look into getting checked out to see if I have the breast cancer gene, and then take it from there ...

the risk with HRT is miniscule so I would ask for an appointment to a menopause clinic and speak to an expert before thinking you cant/sshouldn't take it .Its known to have more positive effects than negative so may be well worth giving it a try .Good luck with it ,I know I couldn't be without HRT as my symptoms were horrific and now I'm back to being me.

Just to put my experience here, it may be of some help, I had a very early menopause at age 36 and did take HRT but at first it was great - didn't like the periods again though! But after a while it just wasn't working. I had my GP telling me the risks of stroke, heart problems etc etc but I decided to sort myself out, plenty of excercise, good diet, healthy weight. So far no problems at all, heart healthy, cholestrol normal and blood pressure. I don't know whether I was just lucky but no weight gain and did have hot flushes but they did go away. I also had a loss of drive in that department but it does get better, at least it did for me.

My mother also had breast and ovarian cancer and I swore I would never go on HRT. However, after 12 relentless years of unbearable symptoms which showed no sign of abating , I finally went on HRT at age 64 and I now have quality of life. I am prepared to take my chances.
It’s worth mentioning that lifestyle plays a big part as well with obesity and drinking being high risk for breast cancer.

You could try some of the herbal alternatives.
Black cohosh or evening primrose.
I haven't been able to have hrt which I practically begged for, due to hot sweats.

Due to family medical history I am unable to take HRT - yes the menopause is "s**t" but it is possible to get through it with gritted teeth and the knowledge that it will end!!!

Hello all! I just thought I would put my two cents in. HRT drugs were out of the question for me with my family medical history. So, what finally worked for me was taking chinese herbs. If interested, I am happy to share what I learned about it and how it helped me. Just food for thought.

Prescription medical marijuana lotion.