Multivitamins to help menopausal symptoms

I am also in zoladex-induced menopause, fun isn't it?

I have avoided menopause supplements as so many have phytoestrogens in them and they aren't safe to take in supplement form if you've had hormone + BC.

I take calcium and a high-ish dose of Vitamin D. I took the recommended daily dose of Vit D for a while and felt worse and then read somewhere that you may need a bit more for menopause. I also take hemp oil for my joints (for the omegas rather than CBD oil).

For dryness in places you don't want to be dry, I use Active Balance Menopause pessaries, which I have found far better than GP-prescribed ones that I have tried.

For mood/depression/anxiety, I found acupuncture helped significantly, but I needed regular top ups every 4 weeks to keep on top of it. I decided to ask my GP if I could take a low-dose anti-depressant and it has been great at getting me feel more like me again. No more wild mood swings, and it has the added benefit of really helping me sleep, which had alluded me since diagnosis. Lack of sleep not good for your emotional well-being so it may be that it is the biggest factor with taking the ant-depressant.

If my mind is racing at night, I find Tesco herbal sleeping tablet work the best for me.

There's also no substitute for going for a daily walk to help with all thing menopause.

Good luck!

Oh Thankyou that’s really helpful ! Can I ask how long did it take for the main side effects to start for you ? I’ve only been on tamoxifen for 3 weeks and zoladex began yesterday so I fear I’ve got it all to come x 

It’s a minefield out there when it comes to info about what you can and can’t take take after a breast cancer diagnosis. I tend to ignore Google. My oncologist has been pretty good at advising on what can help and is safe, might be worth asking yours or your Breast Care Nurse.

I’ve found some good information from following people like Liz O’Riordan and Annice Mukherjee (the Hormone Doctor) on Twitter and Instagram. They’re both doctors who have experienced breast cancer. Another helpful source of info is Dani Binnington (Healthy Whole Me) who does a podcast with various medical professionals, talking about managing menopause post BC. She did one recently where collagen was discussed - the doctor on the chat said there was no firm evidence that it was unsafe but her biggest concern was that it wasn’t actually effective.

For me, I’ve found that evening primrose oil and Glucosamine have reduced aches and pains, plus regular exercise - daily walking, a little bit of running, yoga and strength training. A lot or a little depending on how fatigued I’m feeling.

“Yes” brand moisturiser and lubricant work well for intimate places and intimate times (!). Magnesium appears to help sleep but that could also be the exercise. Vit D and calcium to try and help keep my bones strong.

Like Beatrhebreast, I also have regular acupuncture and think that helps everything - mood, aches, flushes, the works. Might all be in my head but who cares if it works. 

Good diet - leafy greens, lots of colour, protein and plenty of water - balanced with a little coffee and cake! 

Good luck in finding what works for you x

Thankyou so much again really helpful , I read liz o’ riordans blog found that really insightful ! I’ll have a look at the others you mentioned xx 

I started zoladex during chemo so I think it was intensified for me. I thought it was going to be plain sailing as I had no side effects at all for 3 weeks and then, unfortunately, it ll hit me at once! I then started exemestane during radiotherapy, about 5 months later. 

It was pretty intense to start with, but it does get better!