I just started taking BHRT - about 3 weeks in now. I have crossed over into full Menopause. I like the BHRT, hot flashes are gone, feel a lot of the Menopause "funk" is gone, more feminine & caring about how I look & a little extra jump in my step so to speak. Improved sex drive too...
The doctor will retest my levels in 6 weeks. I think a good doctor & retesting is critical.
To answer your questions:
1) it shouldn't -- but there are exceptions, especially for perimenopausal.
2) Fibroids could be a problem. My doc said if they bleed some of his patients get cauterized.
3) No one knows, no studies have been conducted on BHRT.
I have read 2 books on the subject, AGELESS by S. somers - a little too much salesmanship, but a good intro to the subject.
Also "Natural Hormone Balance for Women" by UZZI REISS MD & M. zucker - this book I highly recommend....
So far, I love BHRT & you can adjust the therapy pretty easily as well.