Recent studies have shown that hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of serious health problems, including blood clots, gallbladder problems, and, of greatest concern, breast cancer.

So what does a woman do if she wants to stop HRT? Here are the steps to follow:

1. First, see your doctor.
2. Your physician will gradually taper you to the lowest possible dose so that, when you stop, your transition will be smooth.
3. After you stop HRT, you may experience a recurrence of hot flashes. They will go away with time, and may be reduced by exercise.
4. HRT was never a good way to protect your heart. Instead, the best protection comes from a low-fat, vegetable-rich vegan diet supplemented with vitamin B-12, regular exercise, and no smoking.
5. To protect your bones, get plenty of exercise, along with vitamin D from sunshine or supplements, vitamin C from fruits and vegetables (to build the collagen matrix in bone), and calcium from green vegetables, beans, or fortified juices. Avoid animal protein and excess salt (they deplete calcium).
6. Doctors also prescribe statin drugs for cholesterol-lowering and non-hormonal drugs (e.g. raloxifene (Evista) and alendronate (Fosamax)) for osteoporosis. Be aware that all have benefits and serious potential risks.

For further information, we recommend our newly published book "Healthy Eating for Life for Women."

Expert available: Samuel L. Jacobs, M.D., a reproductive endocrinologist/infertility specialist at UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is available for media interviews. Call Jeanne McVey at 202-686-2210, ext. 316, to schedule one.

Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, particularly good nutrition, and conducts clinical research trials. PCRM also promotes higher standards in research.

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