Non Hormonal Menopause Treatments post Total Abdominal Hysterectomy- no ovaries . Level 4 Endo

[45Bumbleb]

I am new to this site, I do hope somebody can help me. 5 weeks ago, I had a total abdominal hysterectomy due to cysts showing on scans and a high result in a CA125 blood test which raised concerns . Fortunately , there are no traces of cancer but as well as my cysts , a polyp , once I was ‘open’ ..endometriosis was present on my ovaries, Fallopian tubes, appendix (also removed) , adhesions on my bladder and bowel (adhesions were removed with no damage )..I would explain horrendous periods and pain I have had for a long long time ! As my ovaries were taken, I am in a surgical menopause (I am 45 years old) which has hit me hard after major surgery. The consultant had advised that I am not allowed HRT as the endo needs chance to regress. I am a little lost as the leaflets given don’t really sing the praises of herbal treatments but I don’t have options ! I am having disturbed sleep and waves of hot flushes all day every day ! I had ordered ‘menopace plus’, but I’ve noted that these contain soya . (Not good with endo or not enough to cause a problem ?) . I am overwhelmed with the black cohosh options, red clover , evening primrose etc etc. Could anybody out there help me as I am struggling for sound advice outside Hormone Replacement Therapy. I am trying to recover from my op and deal with the menopause . It’s quite tough and I am scared of all the other symptoms that might come along (anxiety, depression, vaginal dryness etc - deep joy !!) I would love to hear people’s experience in a similar situation , I am overwhelmed and trying to keep in good spirits ! I am holding onto the fact that at least I don’t have to have those awful periods that ruled my life ..... and no smears . However, it is causing me stress of what to do next , I don’t want to order or pick the wrong thing that would give Endometriosis a chance of returning .

[Bethleah]

Hi I can’t take conventional meds esp hormone stuff. I take sage to help me doubling the dose helps. I take it at night. Nelsons Sepia helps with tearfulness it’s homeopathic . I use a bio identical hormone cream which also helps . B vitamins help some symptoms as does ashwagandha (also helps with stress) I’m peri menopausal so periods becoming more irregular . I avoid soy like many others. Unfortunately there is a risk of Endo returning anyway. I’ve heard mixed things about the red clover which I was taking and stopping it but upping the sage helped. Black cohosh is supposed to help but not tried it yet as I’m waiting for menopause to take that one. Hope some of this helps. Good luck x

[45Bumbleb in reply to Bethleah]

Thank you ever so much! After another night of hot sweats and very disturbed sleep, I really would like to try something . Sage was also recommended by my acupuncturist (which of course I can’t see at the moment) I really appreciate this as I need better sleep to function , especially when I have to return to work! I’m dreading a hot flush taking hold in a meeting ! So would like to take something soon to get it in my system. Thank you again , what a great online community, it’s better to have the feedback from other individuals in the same position , it’s more comforting! .

[Kangaroodle]

Hi, I’m sorry to hear you are having these issues. I am about to start taking Synarel which will hopefully put me into the menopause then when all this corona stuff is over I will have a full hysterectomy and remove ovaries so will ev in surgical menopause. I don’t yet know what my symptoms will be but I am seeing a nutritional therapist who has helped me a lot already to balance hormones and help with depression and anxiety by advising on diet and supplements. She says she will be able to support me through the menopause. Perhaps you should find someone like her near you who can support you through this time.

Happy to talk more if you need xxx

[45Bumbleb in reply to Kangaroodle]

Thank you. I also feel a nutritional therapist or a herbalist is the way forward . I hope you hysterectomy goes well, if you feel unsure in recovery , just drop me a line if you want to , but it is actually how amazing your body heals.

You will get a lot of care and attention from staff and they are there to make you feel as comfortable as you can . Little tips if on the NHS , take your own towel, pillow and flip flops for the shower. And cotton pants- super soft on your incision is a must , nighties all the way!