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Guidance on supplements for menopause symptoms

Rach44
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I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2013. It had not spread to my lymph nodes and I opted for a preventative double mastectomy. I have had no reoccurrence or cancer concerns since my initial treatment 13 years and I am in good health. 

I have been in perimenopause for at least the last 4 years, I am now 44. I have struggled mainly with mental health symptoms which I am on anti depressants and anti anxiety medication for however hot flushes and night sweats along with disturbed sleep have been causing me a lot of problems of late. I have just started taking red clover and sage leaf supplements and wanted to know if this is ok given that my cancer was not hormone driven. My dr isn’t much help in suggesting alternatives as I can’t have HRT so doing some research I understand that these remedies could be beneficial. Thanks 

  • Dear Rach44

    My name is Debra and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. Welcome to the online community and thanks for posting your question.

    I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling with menopausal symptoms which can be very distressing, especially when they disrupt and/or disturb our sleep which can have a negative effect on our mental health and wellbeing.

    Here at Macmillan, we don’t have any access to your NHS/medical records, so we would always advise speaking to your medical team, Nurse specialist or GP before taking any supplements, especially as research into their effectiveness is limited, and they have been known to interact negatively with some medications.

    This link has some really useful advice on how to deal with menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes and sweating, and also suggestions for some complimentary therapies that you may like to consider.

     

    I hope this has been helpful, but please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you need any further information or support.

    Best wishes

    Debra

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.

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