Isoflavones - Menopause - help!

[mudmucker]

Here is another option. It may not be an agreeable one nor is it homeopathic. But if you're not sleeping.....

(I'll say this realizing you are suffering from 'regular' perimenopausal symptoms).

Women who have estrogen induced cancers such as uterine cancer can't take estrogen to help with the instant surgically induced menopause caused by a full hysterectomy, ovaries included. Hot flashes and other symptoms occur abruptly and intensely. Even bioidenticals may not be advised.

In some instances, very low dose anti-depressants can be taken, and are specifically used to prevent hot flashes although generally when women can't take estrogen. The anti-depressant at low doses addresses the vasodialation of the blood vessels that causes the hot flashes. Again, the anti-depressant isn't being administered as an anti-depressant for it's typical intended use because of the low dose.

[kelownagirl]

Here is another option. It may not be an agreeable one nor is it homeopathic. But if you're not sleeping.....

(I'll say this realizing you are suffering from 'regular' perimenopausal symptoms).

Women who have estrogen induced cancers such as uterine cancer can't take estrogen to help with the instant surgically induced menopause caused by a full hysterectomy, ovaries included. Hot flashes and other symptoms occur abruptly and intensely. Even bioidenticals may not be advised.

In some instances, very low dose anti-depressants can be taken, and are specifically used to prevent hot flashes although generally when women can't take estrogen. The anti-depressant at low doses addresses the vasodialation of the blood vessels that causes the hot flashes. Again, the anti-depressant isn't being administered as an anti-depressant for it's typical intended use because of the low dose.

That's an interesting idea - thanks! I'll check into that as well.

[Dogmama]

In some instances, very low dose anti-depressants can be taken, and are specifically used to prevent hot flashes although generally when women can't take estrogen. The anti-depressant at low doses addresses the vasodialation of the blood vessels that causes the hot flashes. Again, the anti-depressant isn't being administered as an anti-depressant for it's typical intended use because of the low dose.

The antidepressant typically needs to be an SNRI, e.g., Effexor, Pristiq or Cymbalta. Be sure that you also check out the withdrawal problems of these pills. Can be nasty. OTOH, they help mood swings & general menopausal crankiness. If you decide to withdraw, you need to do so slowly. I was on one of them & they kicked up my IBS like crazy. BUT, I did feel calmer. In the end, I had to taper off. It was weird - light flashes, feeling like I had the flu and the rebound hot flashes were awful.

[AMP]

I have severe hot flashes and night sweats. My DH told me last week that he had to come to bed with a snorkel and mask! Alcohol consumption made absolutely no difference as neither did caffeine or chocolat. I had hot flashes before and after I quit all three. I also am self-employed and have to pay an enormous deductable for any drug. (My insurance kicks in about $3!) I'm leary of any drug anyway. So. I read about how to handle hot flashes and one of the methods that actually worked was...breathing. When you get the first glimmer of a hot flash, slowly breathe in to the count of five, hold, lungs full; and slowly breathe out to the count of five and hold, lungs empty.
The sensation is one of calming control. Best of luck. Also, this too shall pass.

[kelownagirl]

Gonna try the breathing thing - sounds cool.

And I think I'll see my doctor again. Last time I talked with her, the night sweats weren't that bad.

Thanks for all the discussion. It's all very interesting!

[Dogmama]

I saw an acupuncturist today who specializes in menopausal stuff. It's going to take a few sessions, so I'll try to bump this if anybody is interested.

One thing though - for the past few days I've had crushing fatigue. No idea why - maybe hot flashing at night & not sleeping, maybe a low grade virus, who knows. I mentioned that to my needle-pusher & she said that is part of what acupuncture addresses when they address menopause. It's been several hours and I DO feel better. Placebo effect - maybe. At this point, I don't care. I barely made it through teaching spinning last night - did a lot of off-the-bike instruction.

Who said old age isn't for sissies?

[kelownagirl]

No kidding. Fatigue - yeah. I fall asleep ok but waking up every hour to sweat is really cutting into my REM sleep I think. I just need to get a few good nights sleep between now and my race on Sunday.... Argh.

I did acupuncture for my shins and it didn't help much. But keep us posted, I'm always willing to try it again.

I saw an acupuncturist today who specializes in menopausal stuff. It's going to take a few sessions, so I'll try to bump this if anybody is interested.

One thing though - for the past few days I've had crushing fatigue. No idea why - maybe hot flashing at night & not sleeping, maybe a low grade virus, who knows. I mentioned that to my needle-pusher & she said that is part of what acupuncture addresses when they address menopause. It's been several hours and I DO feel better. Placebo effect - maybe. At this point, I don't care. I barely made it through teaching spinning last night - did a lot of off-the-bike instruction.

Who said old age isn't for sissies?