How do you cope with no HRT & menopause symptoms

Hi

Sorry you are suffering 

It is a shock to the system to have a cancer diagnosis and also come off HRT

Try to eat healthy and cut down on caffeine and alcohol as these can trigger hot sweats. My aches are less when I exercise so I try and walk 4 miles a day ( I have dogs so I have to anyway).

You could invest in a cooling pillow or a gel cooling mat for nighttime ( the ones made for dogs are usually cheaper)

I have had acupuncture for my hot flushes and it has worked amazingly well.I was referred for mine by my oncologist so it’s worth finding out if you can get it where you are.

There may be more advice on the British menopause site but obviously you can’t have any of the hormones but it may give you other coping strategies.

Sending you a virtual hug x

Thank you Exraygirl I hadn’t thought about caffeine and the hot flushes love my morning cup but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to try giving that a miss especially if it helps ease flushes. You are so good walking that far each day I used to but these days do very little I think perhaps that is the answer though.  It’s not really my thing so I have to really force myself to do it but I’m sure if I did I would feel so much better it’s just that first step isn’t it?  No more excuse’s !!

The cooling pillow/mat sounds a great idea too  I will investigate that and the acupuncture thank you for your advice and the virtual hug very much appreciated xx

You are very welcome

I think it’s trial and error to find what works for you and it’s worth finding your triggers.

You don’t have to go straight out for massive hikes… even a walk round the block can help with your aches and mood especially as we are due some better weather.

I think most of us have been like you at some point and it does get better. I’m on letrazole and the first 6 months weren’t great but I’m feeling much better now even though I still get some insomnia 

Good luck going forward. Hope you RT goes well x

I've also been reading good small book by Dr Louise Newson. Menopause doc and specialist. There is a chapter about cancer treatments etc. Also her website Newson Health I think it is (sorry on phone) has some good downloadable brochures about diet and triggers. I had to come off the pill last year after diagnosis. Once I started tamoxifen I got a lot of hot flushes which thankfully have calmed down. Make sure you check the brand as different brands have different side effects. I too have had acupuncture and still have it every fortnight but this is also trying to aid my crappy sleep and tiredness. X

Tired Minion Oooo I’ve heard of Louise Newson never even thought to check her out though thanks for the reminder will have a look now x

This is the book

I've found 2 websites the Newson Health and one to do with the Balance app. Both have good downloads and info. I have swollen ankles, crap sleep and fatigue but never sure which are menopause symptoms and what are tamoxifen related. Something being a woman is rough! Good luck x

There's a lot of evidence that anti depressants can help with hot flushes. I came off my HRT last June after my cancer diagnosis - I miss it so much. I'm 53 and had been on HRT since a hysterectomy in 2017.

By October/November time I was well into chemo and really struggling, particularly with night sweats and insomnia so my GP put me on mirtazapine (which is an anti depressant) I reluctantly took them (as they're known to cause weight gain) because I was so desperate for sleep. They worked! Sweats and flushes  were vastly reduced and I was sleeping much better. But, I've put weight on.

 I stopped  taking them about a month ago after chemo and RT was done. They also made me feel very groggy which isn't great. I've lost about 4lb up to now, so I'm reassured that the weight will come off.

However the night sweats are back and I'm waking up every two hours or so. I've got a telephone appointment tomorrow with my GP to discuss an alternative as I'm due to go back to work soon and really need to tackle the night sweats. 

Acupuncture also interests me but it's so expensive. 

It will get better! I was put into a sudden medical menopause as a result of BC treatment and it was not at all fun those first few months! 

Intense hot flushes every 20 mins day and night which came with anxiety/claustrophobia/mild panic attacks.

I also had aching joins when I first started exemestane.

All of this has eased. Even my super sore wrists are not as bad as they were.

Hot flushes/night sweats are far more manageable but I have a few tips:

Buy a few chillows to have by your bed to use overnight

Use a fan to help cool you - one for your bedside and I have a handheld for use any time

It really is good to dress in layers - peeling something off helps get ride of the flush quicker

They do start to ease in time but I reached a bit of a plateau and still had loads overnight keeping me awake. I am now trying acupuncture and I noticed a difference after the first session, but it usually takes around 6 sessions to really work. I've had 3 so far and definitely feel better for it. Looking forward to seeing how the next 3 go.

Beatthebreast, do you have to keep going for acupuncture every week or can you taper it off once symptoms ease? I'm not really sure how it works?

I had 6 sessions weekly. They advised 6 to 8. Then I have gone every few weeks as a top up. I pay privately for mine. May be worth investigating if you can get any via hospital. Not sure if you are on active treatment. It is helpful to me but everyone is different. Also depends on your area of country as to what is available x