Advice please - Natural remedy if HRT not an option?

At my reviews the BCN has suggested acupuncture for hot flushes. I haven’t gone ahead with it as the whole BC journey has left me needlephobic so to me the ‘cure’ is worse than the symptom . 

Thanks so much, I’ll definitely look into this but totally understand where your coming from in having enough of any needles. I’m still struggling and coming to terms with the whole thing. I still feel like it’s all totally surreal. Thanks again for the advice, really difficult finding any info on non HRT options. 

Hi Mills978

I was very similar to you about 3/4 years ago ,  I used to be dripping in sweat, it was horrific. I persevered with acupuncture, evening primrose oil (the only thing my oncologist said I could have) for about a year. My oncologist prescribed some anti-depressants (can’t remember which ones) as these help with the flushes. I was really reluctant to take anything else but they did work - I did get some side effects so my gp swapped me to Sertraline, which I took until last October when I needed to come off Tamoxifen for an operation. I went back on the Tamoxifen in January but not the sertraline and have been fine - I still get the odd hot moment but it is all manageable.

The acupuncture was through my local cancer charity , and although it didn’t really work for me it was really relaxing and worked for some ladies.

Please don’t put up with how you are feeling , I have found all the health professionals keen for women to be able to manage these symptoms, so contact your oncologist/BCN/GP and see what they can offer you , but also get in touch with your local cancer charity and see why options they may have.

Best wishes

jo x

Hi Mills978

I had acupuncture for hot flushes before I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May last year and it was very effective. I am completely needle phobic so didn’t know how I was going to cope with them but I just didn’t look at them and I was fine. The results were so impressive I continued.

I carried on with acupuncture once I was diagnosed until my lumpectomy in October but I was also having Leuprorelin injections as well as taking Letrozole. After my lumpectomy he then concentrated on boosting my immune system prior to chemotherapy and then lockdown came and I’ve not had any since, but have an appt booked on the 15th July and I will get him to concentrate on the hot flushes and boosting my immune system again.

I respond quite well to it, so I’m hoping he’ll be able to reduce the hot flushes again even though I’m back on the injections and Letrozole They’ve returned a bit but are not horrendous..

Sarah 

Is this the chines Acupuncture I had some for pain in hospital but was Electrical it was awful,   But you made me think again I need for sweating like river from non Hodkins lymphoma I even get up shower at night it horrid , but ty lovely to hear it helped you gives me hope to try . Hope all goes well Happy Solstice .  

Yes Chinese acupuncture. If you’ve not tried it I would highly recommend it, ideally get a recommendation if you can.

Happy solstice to you too.

Sarah x