I need some informed opinions on menopause...?

In 1993 I underwent an ectopic pregnancy (the fallopian tube burst- fetus was 8wks. I lost part of my fallopian tube, and one ovary. After that, my periods were so painful and so heavy that in 2001, my gynocologist urged me to get a total hysterectomy. (I am 45 now) To cut to the chase, ever since my hysterectomy, I have experienced the WORST hot flashes (not night sweats) - when I go out, some people think I've just come out of the shower, I'm drenched with sweat. It's so horrible and embarrassing! I am not on a HRT because I was afraid of the side effects. What can I do to help slow down the hot flashes- and excessive sweating (especially on my face!) it's so bad I'm afraid to even go out with my friends like I used to. Help, please. Thank you.
I need some informed opinions on menopause...?
For some women, a diet rich in phytoestrogens is all that is needed. Others find more success using a combination of natural products along with exercise and a healthy diet.





I found this for you, don't know if you already done this.


Research suggests that soy may have some benefit for reducing hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. However it is recommended that you get your soy from foods rather than from supplements. Foods that contain soy include tofu, tempeh, miso, soy milk, whole soybeans, texturized vegetable protein, and soy powder.





Black cohosh (20 mg to 60 mg 3 times daily) often provides effective relief of hot flashes, as well as other symptoms of menopause including headaches, heart palpitations, and anxiety.





Natural progesterone cream available OTC, in compounded prescriptions, or as a traditional prescription called Prometrium provides relief for hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause for many women.








Taking 400 IU to 800 IU of Vitamin E daily significantly reduces the occurrence and severity of hot flashes and night sweats during menopause or perimenopause, and provides an additional benefit of strengthening the immune system and protecting the heart.





Effexor is a SRNI and an antidepressant that has been found to reduce hot flashes in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Because it works so well for breast cancer patients, researchers believe it may be an option for women who don't want to use traditional hormone replacement therapy during menopause.





Exercise at least 30 minutes every day. Just don't exercise within 3 hours of going to bed to help prevent night sweats.





Gabapentin is a drug currently used to treat migraine headaches, however the June 13, 2000 issue of Neurology found an 87% reduction in hot flashes among a small group of women who took the drug.





Dietary triggers that can start a bout of hot flashes include alcohol, caffeine, and cayenne or other spicy foods.





Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that includes estrogen replacement provides relief from hot flashes associated with menopause.





Hot flashes are often worse during hot weather. Wear all cotton clothes that allow your skin to breathe and keep a fan nearby during hot weather to reduce the number of hot flashes you experience.





There are many supplements and substances that have been advertised as "natural" treatments for symptoms of menopause, including licorice, evening primrose oil, dong quai, chasteberry, and wild yam. Scientific studies to prove the safety and effectiveness of these products have not been performed.








Hope it help.
I need some informed opinions on menopause...?
Naturally speaking what most women are trying now is natural hormone therapy. They are called bio identical hormones. There is a website by Dr. John Lee. He has researched it and his methods are being followed by Suzanne Somers and Robin McGraw (Dr. Phils wife). I have known women personally that are undergoing it and love it. They say they would have it no other way. It just sounds like you need a little balance. Black co-hash or Rose Hips are another natural remedies to at least treat the hot flashes. You can find that in Vitamin shoppes. But research the natural HRT's they are especially perfect for women who have undergone Hysterectomy's..
Reply:Hi


Welcome to peri-menopause!


All joking aside, yes the hot flashes are to die for! Its like someone just threw hot water on you and it won't go away.





Living it as well.





First off, do you still have one functioning ovary? If you do, this ovary will still be producing estrogen and progesteron, but probably not enough to stop the symptoms you are having.





Revew your diet. Any food that will open up your blood vessesl, like spicy foods, red wine, tea, coffee.... anything like that will make the sense of hot flashes worse. Start a diary of what you eat and when you get your hot flashes.





How about after a bath or shower? Is it worse after....use lukewarm water.





Drink cold drinks, without caffeine.





You can ask your doctor to do some blood tests to see how much hormones are actually being produced. This would include you taking your temperature daily to see if you are ovualting.





There are topical progesterones now that you can use and will help with some of those symptoms. There are also herbal remedies that many women sware by, but they do not work for everyone. Black kohosh (spelled wrong i'm sure lol) is a well known one. Evening primrose also helps. Buy a book on herbal remedies and it will tell you which produce help hot flashes.





How is your hemaglobin? Make sure all else is ok.





Take care


Pam