Constant hot flushes causing itch to worsen

[Hils67]

Hi all,

I’ve been on URSO since Dec 2015 and had intermittent bouts of itching. More noticeable when I’m tired or stressed, but my LFTs have come right down to normal levels and fibroscan shows liver is healthy. Just this last few weeks though I’ve started getting waves of heat all over my body, like an instant hot feeling lasting for a few minutes each time but getting this hot feeling multiple times in the day and night. When I get these it’s causing my itch to flare up. My forearms are now sore from all the scratching. I think the hot episodes are due to the menaopause, but could they be the PBC? I’m going to see the dr but what have other people taken to relieve these symptoms? Is HRT safe for us with PBC? I thought it was related to an increase in breast cancer...is this still the case?

I’m a bit worried about taking HRT as my mum died of breast cancer. Are there any safe herbal remedies to help with these hot flushes? Grateful for others experiences.

Hilary

[ninjagirlwebb]

It was a hot summer & found myself a bit itchy. I put wrappable ice packs in a pillowcase & just wrap it around my arms for relief.

[gwillistexas]

Hils67...about HRT. when I had hysterectomy my GYN had me wear the Vivelle Dot patch. He would not prescribe HRT pills because they filter through the liver. The patch does not. Hope that helps but verify with your dr 😊

[Hils67 in reply to gwillistexas]

Ah thanks for that info. I’ll mention that to my HP when I see him. No idea if they do HRT patches in uk on the NHS but I’ll definitely ask. Thanks 🙏

[gwillistexas in reply to Hils67]

Hils67...you’re welcome. I thought my post today. Let me say, I was put on patches in 1994 after surgery. Of course at that time I did not have PBC . So now, we know things are absorbed into out bloodstream which In turn does get to the liver. I weaned myself off the patch after 12 years. My family has history of breast cancer so that was my big concern. He also told me when you take estrogen/progesterone mix, that can increase chances. If I remember correctly, that patch has no progesterone in it. Long time sgo😁

[Hils67 in reply to gwillistexas]

I’m off to see the GP today so I’ll ask about the different hormones and effects. I’m a bit reluctant to go down the HRT a route, but these sweats have meant I’ve not had a proper nights sleep in 4 weeks and just feel so tired, which is increasing my PBC symptoms. Bloody viscious circle...right now I just want some relief so I can enjoy life instead of being so tired.

Need to get back into the positive zone 😉.

Tc xx

[gwillistexas in reply to Hils67]

Hils67...HRT definitely controls hot flashes. When I got off them...boy oh boy, lol! It wasn’t pleasant for a while. 😁good luck!

[Hils67 in reply to gwillistexas]

Thanks, GP has advised against HRT for me due to family history of breast cancer...ah well, I’ll have to look at going down the natural remedy route! Hopefully these flushes won’t last too many years!!! 🤣🤣. Could be worse...keep looking at the positives 😀

[gwillistexas in reply to Hils67]

That’s probably better anyway, then you won’t be having to worry about what hrt might cause. I’m sure you’ll find something. 😊

[butterflyEi]

If you have a look for an HRT cake recipe and find one that you like it contains ingredients such as linseed and sunflower seeds which are beneficial for reducing some to the effects of the menopause. I cooked it when I was going through that time. If you are able it may be helpful to see a nutritionist as they will be able to advise on healthy foods which will help you through the menopause.

I am an "itcher" and am medicated for it however I still need to use ice on occasions directly on the area of irritation.

[Knackeredknowle in reply to butterflyEi]

Oh wow....sounds amazing and very natural xx

[Hils67]

HRT Cake...now that sounds a wonderful idea! I’ll certainly ask about a decent nutritionist. I like to try and treat myself with natural stuff if possible. I’m going to look up HRT recipes 😉.

Thank you for your reply

[RoxyP]

Hi hils67 sorry to hear the itch is back. Mine came back as well and asked my hepatologist whhat I could do and she suggested the usual moistureing but also taking a Piriton at night to help with the itch. I take sage tablets to help with hot flushes and the menopause they do take a month or so to stay in your system but honestly my flushes all but disappeared for a while, there back s bit now but still only one or two a week and I can cope with that. Hope you find something that works for you soon. Xx

[Hils67 in reply to RoxyP]

Ah thanks Roxy. I’m back on my herbal remedy for my PBC and miraculously my flushes have stopped pretty much. So, not sure if they were PBC or menopause. But I don’t care...as long as they stay away 😁 xxx