So relieved I decided against it

Television presenter Gloria Hunniford today spoke of her relief at deciding not to take HRT.

She said: "I was under great pressure from my gynaecologist to take it. But I had read reports advising people who had a family history of breast cancer not to take it - and as my mother died of the disease, I decided I would try and do without.

"Now I am very relieved. This report will be a great disappointment and very confusing to many women."

Miss Hunniford, currently presenting Open House on Channel 5, decided upon homeopathic medicine to combat the symptoms of the menopause. She said: "I took minerals and vitamins to compensate for what my body was losing. It has worked a treat and I feel very good."

She added: "The main thing is that women are given all the facts so they can make an informed choice."