Researchers in the US have been forced to abandon an eight-year investigation into the long-term effects of HRT three years early because it was found that the treatment increased the risk of invasive breast cancer by 26 per cent, heart attacks and other coronary events by 29 per cent and strokes by 41 per cent.

But will women in the UK be dumping Hormone Replacement Therapy in their droves?

Sarah Brownbridge, aged 45, runs the Blue Bicycle and Blue Minelle restaurants in York with her partner David Rose

I have been on HRT for seven years and have had no problems whatsoever. I was badly depressed and felt very, very low before HRT - I can honestly say I think it saved my life. It brought me back to normal.

I wouldn't consider coming off it at the moment. I have regular check-ups with my doctor and I feel absolutely fine. Next time I go for a check-up I will talk to my doctor about the latest scare, but I am not unduly worried.

For me, the consequences of coming off HRT are far more frightening than the possible side-effects of staying on it.

Dorothy Dawson, aged 63, is chairwoman of York Conservative Supper Club and has been married to Clive for 37 years

I was on HRT for the best part of ten years but had to give it up because it gave me high blood pressure. I also put on a bit of weight, just a couple of pounds, but that was the only other side-effect. One of the good things I found was that I had regular breast checks, smears and general check-ups at the doctor's - any side-effects would have been picked up very quickly.

I think if women are worried at all about HRT they shouldn't take it. If you are low, it's a real pick-me-up, but if you are worried about it, it probably won't help. I felt that taking HRT was a natural progression after taking the pill for 20 years - I've tested them both and I'm still doing fine. I'm sure some people do get ill, but for most women it is a good thing and it really helps them to get through the menopause.

June Tranmer, aged 47, is a Canadian acupuncturist and runs the Healing Clinic in York

I sorted myself out without HRT, and I've sorted out a lot of other women too using herbs, acupuncture and alternative creams. I think even if there is the slightest suspicion that HRT causes cancer, we should consider its use very carefully. Women simply don't have access to information about all the alternatives. This is because doctors only know what they are told. If they are interested, they might look into it further, otherwise the alternatives are largely ignored.

The menopause is about getting to the next phase of your life. Dealing with it shouldn't be about trying to stay forever young, it should be about getting older in a healthy way. It should be a time when you consider they way you live your life as a whole.

If women are taking HRT and have been scared by the latest breast cancer stories, they shouldn't panic. Stopping taking HRT suddenly is not wise. The key is to come off it gradually, slowly replacing it with a more natural alternative.

Updated: 08:35 Tuesday, July 16, 2002