Women, on average, live one-third of their lives post menopause.   Some women find menopause an easy transition. Other women are chronically bothered by persistent hot flashes and night sweats that impact their quality of life.   For years, hormone therapy was the answer but it has been shadowed by controversy as researchers learn more about estrogen and its long term impact on the body.    The Institute for Women's Health Research discussed this controversy in its March e-newsletter that is available at  ENewsletter March 2011final.