Like, living without sufficient sex hormones increases risk of heart attacks, risks breaking bones, it makes it hard to sleep, you get hot flashes and mood issues, like - no thanks. Just because the body is giving up on being alive doesn't mean we have to choose that, any more than when a diabetic finds their body isn't producing insulin anymore - just take the hormones and live a healthier and happier life, lol

Especially these days, now that we have bioidentical estrogen and it's not all just Premarin and synthetics - you're right it's much safer and I don't really see any downside (I think there is an increased risk of breast cancer, because that's just associated with estrogen in general).

the way I tend to look at it is that you can't afford not to prioritize your health - if due to low estrogen you aren't able to sleep and function at a job, or god forbid you break a bone due to not having enough estrogen ...

it's a bad time right now in the US, but usually Planned Parenthood would have a sliding scale option for people who can't afford healthcare and don't have insurance

I would pursue whatever avenues available to you that might lead to getting the healthcare you need; I understand if you can't afford it right now, but then I would be making a plan that will help you get the healthcare you need.