Hot flushes - a rant!

Hello AndyK 

Sage Tablets did it for me. My sweats were bad but a couple of weeks on sage tablets and they stopped for good over 2 years ago!!

Remember to check with your team it's OK to start taking sage tablets.

Best wishes - Brian.

Brian,

I've been taking sage tablets for nearly two years on the advice of my team - only need to take onions to make up the stuffing! The sage has had no effect whatsoever.

Hi Andy (AndyK) 

I am aware it doesn't work for everyone but at least you have tried it. I am aware that acupuncture can also work (not for me as I am needle phobic!!).

Love the attitude though  - I love sage and onion stuffing - and don't always have it with chicken.

Best wishes - Brian.

Hi AndyK ,

I have been investigating hot flushes myself.

I'm on Zoladex too, but am having hot flushes that are a LOT less bothersome than yours. I haven't yet had to trying to find ways to control them, because they just aren't bad enough, so I don't immediately know of any medication.

It never does any harm to be prepared, though, so I did a little investigation.
I found this page - https://truenorth.movember.com/article/treatments/hormone-therapy-hot-flashes/ - which was the neatest summary I could find. The equivalent Macmillan page is here - https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/hot-flushes-and-sweating.

They both suggest reducing coffee and alcohol (why is it ALWAYS coffee and alcohol) but the True North one gives some example medications. The ones labelled as medicines must be done with your medical advisers, but your pharmacist might be able to help with herbal remedies.

I am trying to work out what brings mine on. So far, the only definite thing is coffee. Finishing an activity (walking etc.) seems to bring one on. I can't work that out. I'm not getting them much at night, but I generally get a big one (in my terms) shortly after getting out of bed.

There is a ceiling fan in my bedroom, which really helps. Also, my better half and I change our bedding to suit the season, so at this time of year it is pretty minimal.

Looking at other examples on this forum, it seems to me that the response is pretty individual.

From the medicines, I have used sertaline and gabapentin. As an anti-stress and burnout medicace (officially anxiety and depression) sertaline did pretty well and I tolerated it very well. Gabapentin, given for nerve pain resulting from a herniated disk, was awful. I would only go on that if I was being paid to.

Of course, naturally, your experience might be 180 degress from that.

I wish you well in your hunt for relief,

Steve

Steve, I gave up coffee just after I was diagnosed and have (nearly) given up alcohol so I'm convinced they don't trigger my attacks. I do get flushes during daytime,  but the nighttime ones are far worse. I have to get out of bed and use a 'cooling body spray' to reduce the heat - then towel down and get back to bed, usually just in time for the next one!

I'll have a look at the medications, but I'll not hold my breath...

Andy

Hello Andy, 

                   I was experiencing hot flushes numerous times each day. Tried Sage, no use, accupuncture at our hospitals holistic clinic, 10 week course, 5 needles in each ear for 40 minutes. After 9 weeks the practitioner called it off as it was not working. After trying the above my Oncologist prescribed Cyperetone once daily and thankfully they worked.

           Hope you manage to get some relief. 

          Cheers, Graham.