<http://schema.org/articleBody>
" Over 80 per cent of women think hormone replacement therapy (HRT) works but would still not recommend it to their daughters, a magazine survey has found.  Health Plus, which is aimed at women over 40, found in its survey of 2,000 women that they would advise their daughters to try alternative remedies before settling for HRT.  The poll also revealed 60 per cent of women had tried HRT but half had come off it after less than a year.  Main reasons for stopping were feeling unwell (33 per cent), worries over heart disease (26 per cent) and concerns over breast cancer (47 per cent).  Previous studies have raised concerns over the link between long-term HRT use and breast cancer and heart disease but experts say women should consult their doctor who will assess their risk from the diseases.  Other reasons for stopping HRT included weight gain (20 per cent) and fears over taking too many chemicals (36 per cent).  Almost 95 per cent of the women said they were trying natural remedies and felt they were working.  Popular alternative methods included evening primrose oil and eating soya-based foods and taking soya supplements while others said healthy diets helped alleviate symptoms.  Over 75 per cent said they thought natural remedies should be available on the NHS.  Three-quarters of people who took HRT said they used it to feel better and 25 per cent said they used it to stay looking and feeling young.  Colette Harris, editor of Health Plus, said: &amp;quot;The menopause is the last great taboo. Every woman will go through it but no one discusses it openly - unless it&amp;#039;s to make a joke about hot flushes.  &amp;quot;As a result women coming up to the menopause are terrified by the multitude of scary rumours and misconceptions which are far worse than the actual event itself.  &amp;quot;And it&amp;#039;s ridiculous that women dare not mention the M word at work for fear of losing their credibility and their job status. They think if they own up to menopausal symptoms they could become a victim of ageism in the workplace.  &amp;quot;Even though most women go through it between 45 and 55 you don&amp;#039;t see the likes of Madonna, Lulu, Kim Cattrall, Annie Lennox, Lorraine Kelly and Carol Vorderman &amp;#039;giving up&amp;#039;, putting on their housecoats and slippers and retiring from public life.  &amp;quot;It&amp;#039;s about time myths about menopause were well and truly shattered.&amp;quot; \u00A9 Adfero Ltd "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/news/a13298/women-shun-hrt/>