I'm working with my dr. right now regarding that very thing! So far he gave me some estrogen/progesterone cream (to rub on skin) which has helped tremendously with hot flashes, even though it's a very low dose. But we're waiting for my blood test results to come back before doing anything more, and he sends his blood tests out of state, so it takes a good two weeks or more. I guess I'll know more in another week or two. But it appears that if prescribed correctly, they are very helpful in protecting your health.