Safe to take Red clover and Sage for hot flushes

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Just wondered if anyone knows if its okay to take red clover and sage for the hot flushes while im on hereceptin and tamoxifen, my GP advised it and now bit concered as seen a few bits of info that say no, Seeimg my Oncologist next week, but dont know whether to stop taking as I think its has actually worked as sleeping so much better now
Any Help please would be appreciated

Thanks

Nicki

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Hi Nicki

I think you’ll probably get conflicting advice on this. My oncologist said I could work my way through Holland and Barratt’s shelves to find something to help with hot flushes but only while I was on tamoxifen. My BCN said not to take anything!

I was told by the Oncologist that anecdotally a number of women have had good results from acupuncture so that may be something else to consider.

I would speak to your Oncologist but ask him/her to explain the reasoning behind their advice. I’ve not looked into the research on this yet, perhaps others will know. Personally I would like good evidence and information before taking any supplement.

I’m learning to live with the flushes and know that some things like coffee are definite triggers (still have it sometimes though).

I’ve had a terrible few days this week with one hot flush after another and a couple of migraines so I think that my hormones are all over the place. I suppose that I’m possibly going into menopause too so it will be a bit of a hormonal roller coaster!

Elinda x

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Hi girls, my GP gave me some splurge on red clover as I’m having loads of hot flushes,mostly at night, but he suggested I talk to my surgeon to refer me to an onc first. Meanwhile I read black cohosh was safe with tamoxifen, but that hasn’t helped. Read that a Ladymagnet was good but you attatch it to your knickers. I just know it would end up in the washing machine so I sent off for a Trionz bracelet instead. Figure it might help with sleeping. I’ll try anything for £20! I’ll let you know if it works, I only sent off for it yesterday. Changing to a summer weight duvet has helped a bit.

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I saw a different onc for my recent 3 yr check up, my previous (old, male) one having retired. The new one was a lovely lady, who said I can take menopace (you can get it from Boots). I had thought I couldn’t take this bacause of the ingredients. But it’s like Elinda said - the amount of phyto oestrogens in it will not cause me a problem because I am taking tamoxifen, and there will be more than enough tamoxifen to counteract any ill effects of the phyto oestrogen. However, she said not to tell the pharmacist in Boots about my medical history, as then she would not sell me the menopace!

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hi, cant believe I only ordered Trionz yesterday from Wiggle. Arrived today with running leggings I’ll wear for raceforlife on 19th june. Will let u know whether it works over next few nights! Am hoping it helps aches and pains associated with starting to run after a break of a year or two xxx

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Thanks for all your feedback ladies, have decided to stop taking till I see ONC on wed and will see what he says,
Thanks again for your feedback.
Heres hoping to a good nights sleep xx

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Hi, reporting back after a couple of days and nights wearing Trionz. Actally nothing to report just yet, first night better, last night no change. Had been hoping for a magic wand but I’ll still give it time. Looks nicer than something you attatch to your knickers, in fact quite trendy. Will keep you posted!
Nicky xx

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Stopped taking the sage and red clover 7 days ago and now hot flushes have returned, Saw ONC yesterday who was very non committel but advised not too. Off to GP this morning as very fed up with this.
Thanks for all the advice ladies

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Hi Nicki

When I started on tamoxifen 5 years ago I asked my onc about taking supplements for the flushes. He said sage was ok but not to take red clover or black cohosh. It’s hard to say whether the sage worked or not because after 3 months on tamoxifen I started zoladex injections which made me truely menopausal and the hot flushes got far worse. I have to say they did get better over time and after the zoladex finished (2 years) they were a lot better. They have got a bit worse over the last year, but I think I may have gone through the menopause as I haven’t had a period for over a year now. In fact I have a blood test tomorrow to check my hormone levels and I see the onc after that to discuss further treatment (or not). I got myself a chillow which really helped at night.

Hope this helps

fantan

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Thanks again ladies,
Been to the GP and he has said to start taking the Sage again. Have also ordered myself a chillow. So hopefully some sort of sleep will return. Its hard to know who to trust and believe, but I cant carry on like i am for the next 5 years!!
Thanks again xxxxx

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bump

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Have you tried Evening Primrose Oil? It does not contain phyto-oestrogens. You may have to take it for a while before you notice any difference but I am convinced that is why I do not have not flushes, just warm moments :slight_smile:

Ann

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Agree with ann Evening Primrose Oil im only been on them 4 days and feeling better jane

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Hi Nicki, How’s the chillow working. I was wondering whether to get one - I do love a gadget!