I had my first hysterectomy when I was 31, my second when I was 40. I had a forced menapause. My doctor immediately put me on HRT. Until all the horror stories started coming out about how bad it was for you. Then I went to a natural combination of black cohosh, soy, raspberry leaf, and more. I had less symptoms than when I was on the HRT. It's been a few years now and I don't regret ever giving up the HRT. I have nearly zero symptoms or only some minor flashes. Never did have mood swings, (uh, don't anyone ask my husband that question). But, seriously, I think the mood swings and other mood changes were kept in check w/the antidepressants and are now being kept in check w/my bipolar meds. Nothing like being on a mood stabilizer to keep ya balanced.