hot flushes

[tuna]

hi all i keep gettin these intense heat flushes about every 15mins i came off hrt about 3 months ago after being on it for 10yrs, i have tried all the usual stuff in the health food shops and had some clondine tablets of my doc wich havent helped i am temted now to go back on my hrt as there makin me feel like i have a constant temputare! has anybody else ben throgh a dilemma like this i am 53 ? thanks

[oldwoman]

I remember reading somewhere that when you came off HRT you went back to the menopause stage.My friend has been off it a year and still gets flushes. I suppose you are feeling it more now as it will have taken about 3 months for the levels to fall. I only ever had it for 6 months(patches) as the pain in my breasts was unbearable.Has the doctor advised you to come off. They wouldn`t prescribe it again for my friend.

[tuna]

hi the doctor said to give it a try but if it got unbearable to go back on it again he said the desicion is mine at the end of the day,still confused what to do about it .he said its like everything its got its negative points and its positive points thaks tuna

[beejaybee]

Have you tried Black Cohosh or Wild Yam. Both of these can help relieve the hot flushes. It`s a fact though that the hot flushes can persist for years after the end of the menopause. I know. lol

[beejaybee]

Ps. I`m 53 also, but went through the menopause at 29 due to hysterectomy.

[tuna]

hi beejaybee yes i have tried those they havent helped! on a liter note tho i have bought meself a big desktop fan today and thrown me blusher away as i certanily look healthy at the moment.if they wernt makin me feel so poorly dont think i,d be moanin thanks

[muffty]

Hi tuna,

It is true that if you come off HRT (whatever age you are - and for whatever length of time you were taking it), you will restart the menopause symptoms! Although generally taken to help stop osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) from occuring due to the lack of oestrogen when menopausal. It happens to both men and women anyway with age, but HRT does help replace the vitamin and calcium deficientcy.

Originally it was something prescribed for short term use only, (most doctors seemed to agree on 4-5 yrs max). Media coverage blabs about people like Joan Collins still on it, and enjoying life to the full after 20yrs or so! If she or any other person were to come off it, they too would get meno symptoms.

After a breast scare (nothing but a lump of gristle) I asked the consultant about his views on me still being on it after 6-7 yrs and his opinion was 5 yrs, but that I should consult my doctor (GP) as it was not for him to advise.

I came off of HRT (silly me I should have been weaned off it) straight away, and within a week was suffering from hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations etc. 4 yrs on, I still get hot flushes now and again (stress can bring them on), having tried Black Cohosh etc - but nothing eased the symptoms for me - but at least I know longer get the night sweats, thank God!

Some women go through the meno with the barest of probs, lasting for a couple of years. Others can have symptoms for up to ten years! It's just luck of the draw!

I have my own views on why drs put women on HRT...

[muffty]

*deficiency*

*no* longer

[netibiza]

Have had this for 10yrs now and still cannot find a cure. I'm hoping someone can come up with one soon.

[muffty]

I wouldn't mind netti if you just felt hot. It's the lobster colour of your face and neck that's so embarrassing when out and about in public!!

[netibiza]

I literally our with sweat!!

[netibiza]

*pour*

[netibiza]

Have just read in a mag that Clonidine is good but lowers BP so be careful. Also one of the modern SSRI antidepressants like fluoxetine - so ask your doctor, I'm going to ask mine when I go for my check-up.