I discontinued HRT: What now to help control the menopause symptoms?

Posted by flowergal @flowergal, Oct 3, 2023

Hi, I am Estrogen+ so I stopped taking the trans dermal low dose estradiol, testosterone and progesterone. It really helped my bones (osteoporosis) , my brain (chronic tick disease gave me neurological issues) and my skin.

Wondering if any one has ideas for safe supplements or medication that can help fill in the gap now that I discontinued HRT. Hot flashes are back, fatigue and brain has slowed down.

Any ideas are appreciated.

TYIA

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marshgirl24 | @marshgirl24 | 1 day ago

Although my mother had night sweats, I never did during menopause. I was taking and continue to take 800 mg vitamin E each day. (At the time someone told me E was good for hot flashes,etc.) I have just started Anastrozole and so far, I get warm sometimes but not crazy hot flash warm. Take this for what it's worth and I hope you find relief! I have one of those hand fans too but that's really more for cooling off on the golf course.

lindagdowik | @lindagdowik | 2 days ago

Thank you for your response. I’ve never been on hormonal medication and luckily I haven’t had breast cancer. I’ve been suffering with night sweats since my 30s..

Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | 2 days ago

In reply to @lindagdowik "I’m a healthy 69yo women suffering from sever night sweats. What options, treatments are available for..." + (show)

Honestly this is the hardest part of the last many years for me. I find there is a distinct difference in my temperatures if I forget my Zoloft, my oncology nurse started me on it 20 years ago and it does help. I will stress, that for me, it is not a cure. I also have a fan on low, every night, this seems to make the most difference at night.
I also keep a few small rechargeable fans around the house so that I can turn one on and carry it with me at a minutes notice.
Is this a residual from HRT, or breast cancer treatment?

lindagdowik | @lindagdowik | 2 days ago

I’m a healthy 69yo women suffering from sever night sweats. What options, treatments are available for me.

chickenmom10 | @chickenmom10 | Oct 4, 2023

I am estrogen dominant her2 negative stage 2 breast cancer age 59 as of Oct 1. Been on anastrozole since Aug of 22. Have a few side effects but nothing I can’t tolerate. Says it reduces the reoccurrence by 50 percent. I’m all in for that. My ocotype score is at 20 percent
Ki67 score is 10 percent so all in all low to medium reoccurrence. Worth taking for me

queenofjacks | @queenofjacks | Oct 4, 2023

I’m right there with you…I MISS MY HORMONES!
💖

flowergal | @flowergal | Oct 3, 2023

In reply to @windyshores "If you are ER+, have you been prescribed an aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen? These will actually..." + (show)

I have not yet met with an oncologist. I have an appointment next week. I definitely will ask them about this.
I am low ER+ 15% I have read that these hormone treatments are not always helpful with low ER status. I'm bringing the article with me to DR.
Ty

windyshores | @windyshores | Oct 3, 2023

If you are ER+, have you been prescribed an aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen? These will actually do the opposite of HRT, and will reduce levels of estradiol in the body below detectable levels. As an ER+ breast cancer survivor (so far) with a high ER score, I can say I would be very very cautious and avoid anything that will feed your cancer (or an errant cells). It's hard I know! Have you talked with your doctor?