Night Sweats & Hot Flashes relief

[Cu4281]

Taking Tamoxifen since October 2017 now and increasing having the hot flashes and night sweats. Split my dose to 10 mg tab morning and 10mg night and that has maybe helped some. Taking fish oil, flaxseed oil, calcium and D3,plus multi vitamin. Vitamin c too. Also drinking 4 oz of cherry juice at night. Any other ideas folks? I am up several times in the night it seems.

[123JustMe]

Cu4281,

Hi! I am using Magnesium Oxide which my MO ordered. Hot flashes have lessened but still there. They also seem to lessen with time. Good luck!

[Cu4281 in reply to 123JustMe]

Thx I will try it

[Petreep]

I am taking clonidine and that was helping but not enough so the oncologist also added gabapentin. It has helped a lot. Hope you get some relief. I know how bad it can be.

[daf10]

I, myself, never had any problem with tamoxifen. But many other women have a major problem taking it. Here is some good advice on how to cope with those terrible side effects

A hot flash, also called a hot flush, with or without sweating, is a sudden rush of warmth to the face, neck, upper chest, and back that can last for a few seconds to an hour or more. This side effect is quite common with hormonal therapy. Some women experience mild symptoms while others have more severe effects. In many cases, hot flashes stop when hormonal treatment stops. Some women report that hot flashes last for years after treatment is finished. The following are some treatment options for managing hot flashes. Not all have been scientifically tested:

Megestrol acetate is a form of progesterone called progestin that seems to be effective in lowering hot flash severity, but has some side effects, including breast tenderness, irregular vaginal bleeding, mood changes, and bloating.

Antidepressants, such as venlafaxine

Gabapentin

Clonidine, normally used to lower high blood pressure, may be no better than a placebo, or dummy pill. Side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, and sleep difficulties.

Phytoestrogens are estrogens that come from plants. Soy products and some herbs contain phytoestrogens. Although raising the amount of phytoestrogens in the diet is commonly recommended to lessen the severity of hot flashes, studies have shown conflicting results about their effectiveness.

Relaxation training

Dietary changes. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.

Clothing. Wear absorbent cotton clothing in layers that can be easily removed.

Use sprays or moist wipes to help lower skin temperature.

Acupuncture

[BklynCatwoman]

Sorry about the night sweats. I don't get those but I do get the occasional hot flash. I find that acupuncture really helps. It can be expensive but I go to a center that offers community sessions, which means that more than one person is treated at a time so it's much more reasonable.

Here's a list of community acupuncture clinics throughout the US: pocacoop.com/clinics/

[Grisol in reply to BklynCatwoman]

I just started acupuncture. Are you doing any of the Chinese herbs?

[Cu4281 in reply to Grisol]

No what herbs do you use

[Cu4281]

Thanks

[BklynCatwoman]

I've found that acupuncture often helps balance things out.

[Jhordynn]

I take Evening Primrose oil and it has worked like a charm for me, no hit flashes as long as I am taking it. I tell everyone I can about this 😁

[Cu4281 in reply to Jhordynn]

I will try that - Thanks

[Jhordynn]

Let me know how it works for you 😉