HRT Detox advise

I don't have any experience of HRT, but I did go into a sudden menopause during chemo via zoladex injections, which shut off your ovaries. 

It may be similar symptoms (intense and frequent hot flushes day and night with some anxiety).

Time has improved things significantly, I started zoladex in October and everything is significantly better and manageable now. I have all the usual things - fans, chillax pillow, dress in layers.

Are you struggling with any symptoms in particular? It might help other people suggest some remedies.

Hi and thanks for replying  yes the main effects are flushes and night sweats, anxiety and having nightmares which are more like night terrors. I realise that having a fairly recent diagnosis adds to anxiety but this is bad.

As well as that, my sex drive has dropped lime a stone so relationship issues may be the next thing on my list...

Julzee x

My menopause was intense at first, not helped by going through chemo at the same time! I had a lot of anxiety with the flushes themselves (had a panic attack with one of them!) and a bit of anxiety at other times. Things have really calmed for me so hopefully they will for you too.

I mentioned the night sweats waking me to my GP had he gave me clonidine to try. It is used to lower blood pressure (mine is already good) but it is also used to reduce flushes in menopausal women. I haven't increased it to the full dosage yet but I am seeing a difference in the flushes. starting to get less and sometimes I have one and it is over really quickly, so it has been very mild. They would also be good for anxiety I think. Maybe something to try?

Mine and my husband's sex drive fell off a cliff during chemo. Chemo is not sexy! Plus all these changes to my body, not just the operation but other places too! We're slowly getting back to it but that took time for both of us.

This is where this forum is a amazing, thank you! I called my GP on Friday and she has suggested I try a low dose of  Venlafaxine which is used for hot flush reduction and also as an antidepressant.

I don't feel depressed, just frustrated! I haven't yet started taking the pills as I'm having a wobble about the potential side effects of the pills v. what I'm experiencing at the moment. Trying to find a balance is tricky and I might wait until I hopefully hear from my consultant this week. I had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed 4 weeks ago and waiting for results and next steps. X