Hot Flushes

[Titch22]

I am peri menopausal & had to come off HRT (approx 6 weeks ago) due to recent breast cancer surgery & have started to get hot flushes. I was wondering if there was anything I could take to help as they make me very anxious, which then makes them worse.

[nikonBlue]

Oh those cruel flushes....or rather 'power surges'....They are the Bain of my life after my breast cancer diagnosis as mine was hormone receptive so cold turkey off the HRT. I would love to say it gets better but from my experience, it's relentless and again, for me it affects my daily life every day and night. I've tried everything known to woman to make them a bit easier to cope with but to little avail. But you might be fine on for example the magnet you wear all the time, costs around £25. I was taking clonadine to help but alas, made no difference so I stopped it as I feel I take so many meds already that I have to take there's no point in taking more when it doesn't help. Try things is all I can suggest and if you do find something that works....please tell me!!!

Stay well,

Blue x

[anne-57]

I haven't found a way to stop the flushes but a couple of things to look at. Certain things will make them worse. For some ladies coffee is a trigger ( not for me) or alcohol. I can have a glass of wine with no effect but two will bring them on. I also find eating later in the evening is a trigger too. If it is unavoidable I try to choose something lighter and eat less. Try different things and you might find something that eases the flushes for you. X

[Titch22 in reply to anne-57]

I love coffeee and also enjoy a glass of wine or two, whilst I’m still drinking coffee (only 1-2 cups a day), I’ve not drank alcohol since my surgery so not sure if this will effect the flushes or not yet. I’ve noticed sugar doesn’t help so now try & avoid this whenever possible. I also try & avoid eating after 7pm as it disturbs my sleep. You’re right it is certainly trial and error & what works for one may not work for others.

I’m fairly new to this forum, but find it so interesting and informative, it’s also comforting to know you’re not alone out there experiencing these issues. I had no idea the menopause was going to be so rubbish, however onwards & upwards, we’ll all get through this and come out the other side I’m sure 😊

[anne-57 in reply to Titch22]

This is still early days for you so hopefully you will find your triggers and things will ease a little. I don't know if treatment makes it worse or not and will never know, but I would have had to go through it anyway. I try to remind myself of that and that if my body can handle cancer it can handle the menopause too. 😊 Take care. X

[Titch22 in reply to anne-57]

Its actually this stage of my treatment that I have been dreading the most. I knew I needed surgery now that’s over it’s trying to balance everything else. It’s very stressful and I have bouts of anxiety along side my menopause symptoms. I worry about my future and how this will effect work when I return, but you’re right it’s early days & I’m a positive determined person so I’m sure I’ll find a balance and get through it just like other ladies have done. Thank you for your reassuring words xx

[Robshell]

Unfortunately I agree with Blue. I too went slam dunk into menopause. Hormone receptive BC. First zoladex then oohporectomy and on letrozole.

I starting using the lady care magnet and had some relief, the flushes were less intense and manageable but it didn't last.

I had accupuncture which lasted a couple of months, again the flushes were very mild. I have now gone back to the magnet. 2 months in, the flushes are returning to a more intense level. I plan to have a break from the magnet and then go back to it.

I would definitely start with the magnet. I prefer to avoid additional drug therapy.

There are trials using CBT that might be worth investigating.

Best wishes x

[mags4]

Hi ,

My gynae suggested sage which i am using i find if i don't take it they are worse ,i still have them but not as bad .Check it out ask your own gynaecologists first as they are herbal ,other than that avoid hot drinks and wear cool cotton layer up and then you can strip back accordingly.I also changed my tamoxifen to take at night other than this i would say a lot of trial and error .Best wishes with your power surges .x

[Titch22 in reply to mags4]

I’m interested in the sage. How do you take this as a pill supplement or perhaps drink as a tea?

[Hidden in reply to Titch22]

Mags4, Titch22 --

Please read this item on Sage.

foodforbreastcancer.com/foo...

There is an A to Z foods list on that linked website. All its recommendations are based on published studies. As to some foods, the recommendations may differ by types of breast cancer.

[Titch22 in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks I’ll have a read.

[Knockane]

Oh god ladies I'm the same. Just turned 50 and was told that I am post menopausal but the flushes during the day are just unbearable and I'm lying in a puddle every night. I'm at my wits end. They were bad enough before I started on letrozole but they have got so much worse. I've tried all that ye have mentioned but to no avail. It's hard enough to get sleep when your mind is in overdrive already but when you add this to the equation it's terrible. I hope someone has an answer out there. Stay strong girls we can do this 💕💕

[Celia2055]

If you have just had surgery ect..i would ask the doctor about accupuncture.Im the same with flushes but this does really help.x

[Titch22 in reply to Celia2055]

I will do Celia, thank you. I also have a friend who has regular acupuncture & finds this helps so I will look into it. Thanks again x

[Titch22]

Hello ladies, I just wanted to let you know how I’m getting on with the dreaded hot flushes. I’ve been taking vitamin E which has reduced both the frequency & severity. I’ve also noticed sugar is a big trigger as is alcohol & eating late at night. I also try & eat & cook as much fresh food as possible, same with fresh herbs & spices. All these things have really helped. Hope you have found something that works for you, if not maybe give some of these things a go...good luck.