Barb
Are you sure your mom had a TOTAL hysterectomy? I had my uterus removed when I was 34 (16 yrs ago) but the ovaries were left, and have never taken hormonesl; even now, my estrogen level is good and at 50 still do not need hormones. It was a good decision for me, as I felt better immediately. Get a second opinion, and recheck your mothers medical history!