Recent research concerning the safety and effectiveness of HRT has yielded controversial and contradictory results. The purpose of this study, using the Health Belief Model as a conceptual guide, was to determine: 1) how women obtained information about menopause and HRT, 2) women's perceived severity of menopausal symptoms, 3) the decision making process women used to determine HRT use or non-use, and 4) women's awareness of recent research regarding risks and benefits of HRT. To answer these and other research questions four focus groups were conducted with menopausal women living in northern Utah. Two of the focus groups were held with non-HRT users and two with HRT users. Experiences related to menopause and HRT varied widely between the two groups. For example, HRT users experienced more severe menopausal related symptoms and indicated a reduction in quality of life due to the onset of menopause. Non-HRT users experienced far fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms. HRT users were more aware of the recent research on the risks of HRT use, but felt the mental health benefits outweighed the health risks. Frustration with reliable information was universal between groups. While women felt that their health care providers furnished information on HRT and initiated discussion concerning HRT use, these same providers gave very little information concerning the process of menopause, even when asked. Implication for public health education will be discussed.