To all who read this study and any of the long list of others resulting from the Women's Health Initiative, please remember: these women were taking Premarin only..a conjugated estrogen made from pregnant mare's urine. Also, the majority of those in the study were older when thet started the drug. What we know TODAY from the most current and reliable scientific research is that women who start hormone therapy (the safest and most protective being transdermal patches) either before the last period or within several years of menopause receive significant long term health benefits, besides helpful management of symptoms. These include decreased cardiovascular disease, less osteoporosis, significantly less colon cancer, better bladder and vaginal health...and I could go on. The WHI is not the appropriate guide for the women who are in perimenopause or the first several years of menopause. We do not serve ourselves or our patients well when we do not closely examine the research that has been used to confuse and distort for the past 9 years. We have to be our own best advocates and experts if we are to maintain healthy aging. Sincerely, Sandy Greenquist, Certified Nurse-Midwife Menopause Center of MN NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner