So how do you decide whether to use MHT or what form of MHT is best for you? You've probably guessed the answer to this one — talk with your doctor or health care professional. Educating yourself about the risks and benefits of MHT is a good first step, but you can always benefit from a professional's firsthand experience and advice when making this decision. When you meet with your health care professional, ask about the following tests and risks factors:

• Talk to your doctor about your personal and family history of osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer, blood clots, colon cancer, and liver disease.

• Ask about a bone density test to determine the current state of your bone health.

• Request a fasting blood test called a lipid profile to find out your levels of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides to determine your cardiac disease risk.

• Ask about the usefulness of blood tests to determine your current blood hormone levels, or how close you are to menopause.

• Keep your menstrual journal or menstrual symptom diary (see Appendix B: Keeping a Menopause Journal) and take it with you to discuss the symptoms you've been having and their severity, so you know what kind of symptom relief you need most.

• Ask your doctor or health care professional about alternatives to MHT, their benefits, and their drawbacks.