Yes I think it is a great shame that women are in such a dilema with this. I had a relative who suffered very bady during the menopause but the fear of cancer and other side effects fo taking HRT prevented her from taking it. She really did suffer and I wonder if the whole picture had been explained to her. I think any treatment needs to weigh up the pros and cons between suffering and side effect. In her case I think it was a great pity she did not take HRT.

This is definitely a difficult dilemma. A good starting point in this debate is that there are no risk-free choices in life. What we are always trying to do is balance up relative risks.
While concern is right especially in realising that the research currently talked about is specifically focused on older women.
But that doesn't mean the same risks will not apply in younger women. In fact, I'm sure we can assume that they will apply.
However, the benefits of HRT for younger women who have undergone a premature menopause are much greater than for older women.
It is that particular group that is most at risk of the problems associated with loss of the natural hormones, and that particular group that has been shown to gain the greatest benefit.
A rough calculation at this point would still probably the benefits of taking HRT outweigh the harms in the younger age group.