• Almost 75 percent (73.20 percent) of the respondents were between the ages of 40 and 64.

• Sixty percent had experienced menopause either naturally as a result of surgery or other interventions.

• Women reported that suffering from "hot flashes" was the primary menopause-related symptom. More than one-quarter (25.69 percent) said that they were bothered by some or all of the following symptoms: night sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia, anxiety and irritability, mood changes, fluctuations in sexual desire, forgetfulness, headaches and diminished concentration.

• More women reported being fearful of breast cancer in connection with using menopausal hormone therapy than heart attack, stroke, blood clots, endometrial cancer and gallstones. Almost one-third (32.94 percent) cited all of those conditions.

• Almost 70 percent (69.10 percent) were somewhat or very confused about the safety of menopausal hormone therapy.

• Less than 30 percent are taking a menopausal hormone therapy prescribed by their healthcare professional.

• About two-thirds reported taking vitamins, over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies to manage their menopause-related symptoms. The balance is taking either one or a combination of the three options.

• Slightly more than one-fifth of the women (21.69 percent) said they started taking vitamins, OTC medications or herbal remedies because they perceived them to be safer than menopausal hormone therapy.

• Nearly three-quarters (71.6 percent) said they would consider taking an FDA-approved natural hormone preparation.

• Where do these women get most of their information about menopausal hormone therapy? First, from their health care professional (31.35 percent), then from magazines and newspapers (24.62 percent), followed by the Internet (17.43 percent), TV and radio (7.49 percent), and friends (5.20 percent).