Do you have hot flushes?

[Rara]

Thank you! Will give it a try 

Rachel 

[Bibi44]

Hi ladies I have started taking Nutrition FX menopause 3 which has made a big difference to flushes.  It's made out of mung beans & green tea etc.  All natural stuff.  I wouldn't worry about phytoestrogens too much, because they are in all of our food & some research shows they occupy oestrogen receptors & stop the bad oestrogens attaching i.e. Are helpful.  Another BC thing that no one can quite make their minds up about. xx

[Sue H-S]

Hi,

if you are struggling with hot flushes during and post active treatment or are on Tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor, such as Letrozole - you may want to download and read this publication in the first instance.

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/publication/menopausal-symptoms-breast-cance...

It is very comprehensive and covers a number of ways to manage hot flushes, should they not decrease over time. In my case they were awful throughout chemotherapy. I have now been on Letrozole for 5 months and they have reduced dramatically. I still get 2-3 per day, but they are managable and do not leave me completely soaked - I just get very warm for a few minutes. The night sweats have also gone.

For those of us, who have a hormone positive diagnosis - herbal supplements are generally not recommended, as they very often contain high doses of phytoestrogens, which mimic estrogens.

Research has, as yet, not been able to establish whether a such an intake of phytoestrogens may be harmful to that group of women. I personally rather avoid, than increase my risk of the cancer coming back - until it has been proven that it is safe to take them. My oncologist also advised me against taking them, as I had a highly estrogen receptive cancer.

As to Evening Primrose - you may wish to read this- http://www.livestrong.com/article/548301-does-evening-primrose-oil-cause-high-estrogen-levels/

Sue x

[delly]

Hi Ladies'I'm not on Tamoxifen, removed myself from as it exacerbated my existing depression, following two mastectomies 2006 (47)  2007 (48). but went into menopause at 50 anyway (now 58), which was when all the hot flushes started. So unlike any of you's on Tamoxifen, mine are purely menopausal. I recently put myself back onto high dose Evening Primrose oil, after a lapse of a few months. Find that helps a great deal, it being a natural equivalent of oestrogen. But I have to say, I'm gonna have to try the "sage" supplements. Thanks for that recommendation.

Arl - What type of tablet are Megastrol. Are they a form of antidepressant???

Jobey - good to see you darlin woman and friend. Hope you and your hubby are both doing well. Don't forget my invite to join you for a Friday night steak and chips meal, courtesy of hubby the chef !!

Lotsa love to you all. A Very Merry Xmas and A Happy, Healthy, Flush Free New Year.

Dellwellydindong xxxxxxxxx

[smudge43]

Use a lady care magnet it's the best thing I've had for reducing the flushes, mood swings etc, you can buy them o line or in boots 

[Kary]

As regarding chillows wonderfully things,i paid full price for my first one have since deactivated them on e bay without the box! From Hong Kong £2.75 free postage,it said up to 6 weeks mine came in a fortnight ,iv ordered another two...

[Arl]

Try and stay with the tamoxifen, at first I was exactly the same, I got prescribed megastrol, was on them for couple of years, then decided to come if them as they are a steroid, it reduced the flushes, also get yourself a chillow pillow of Amazon I think it's roughly £28, what a difference, as time goes on they will reduce and should just get an odd flush, I've been on them for nearly 4 years , I also had to experiment at beginning with different makes of tamoxifen, the teva brand has worked for me, try stick with the same kind let your chemist know, because there is different ingredients in all the tablets, do not let the pharmacist fob you off, just remember it's you that is on the tablets for years. Hope this helps.😀

[Arl]

Try and stay with the tamoxifen, at first I was exactly the same, I got prescribed megastrol, was on them for couple of years, then decided to come if them as they are a steroid, it reduced the flushes, also get yourself a chillow pillow of Amazon I think it's roughly £28, what a difference, as time goes on they will reduce and should just get an odd flush, I've been on them for nearly 4yrs, I also had to experiment at beginning with different makes of tamoxifen, the teva brand has worked for me, try stick with the same kind let your chemist know, because there is different ingredients in all the tablets, do not let the pharmacist fob you off, just remember it's you that is on the tablets for years. Hope this helps.😀

[Ruth Hill]

The Ladycare magnet. 

I saw it on the Macmillan cancer care site. It's in the bigger Boots shops and basically works along the same ways as a copper or magnet bracelet for arthritis.

helpful for all problems involved in menopause. I am 59 and well out of my menopause but after a lumpectomy in May this year and 15 radiation session I was a sweating weeping aching mess. On Letrozole. Don't get me started. 

Now I am taking exemestane and so far so good, a few sweats, no weeping, no aggression.. 

The Ladycare magnet is manufactured by Ladycare Lifetime Ltd, Bristol. And can be found online. In Boots website. Cost around £28 and I've had it on( there's a front and back that clips on your briefs) for many weeks now. 

No chemicals, no after effects, result. Warmest wishes to everyone in our club and their families xxx

[Bev.C]

What is that Ruth, and how does it work?

[Ruth Hill]

Ladycare magnet , 

i baught this device two weeks ago and it works, 

[Bev.C]

I'm taking vitamin D ampoules twice weekly. Your normal level should be 50 something or others, mine was 15. So that's why onc wanted it prescribed. Having read Mandy12345's question and all the comments everybody has put about the number of flushes averaged in a whole day. I'd say yes vitamin D probably does help decrease them. I'm experiencing none in the morning @ 2 in the afternoon and 2 in the evening and 1 big one at night that I haven't ever slept through but regardless it's still less isn't it? I'm freezing in the morning which I don't mind at all 😊

[lizzieb]

I'm starting to get frequent hot flushes, just now almost 2 months into taking Tamoxifen 😞 I thought I had got away with few SEs to begin with so it is a little disappointing... Also my head is feeling fuzzy frequently. And all just as I'm going through rads, not a nice combination. Will try some of the suggestions on here - sage, evening primrose, magnets. Thanks ladies. Funny thing today though, I thought I was starting another hot flush, but then realised I had left the heating on all morning owing to my fuzzy head... I hope this fug will pass. 

[Seabreeze]

Yes, Onc said ok with Tamoxifen (I'm on Tamo)

[Jill1998]

Did the Onc say it was ok with Tamoxifen?

[Seabreeze]

Hi,

I have been unofficially trialling sage supplements which my Oncologist suggested. Much to my surprise they do seem to help, reducing the magnatude and frequency of hot flushes. In the autumn (pre sage) was getting flushes all the time (day and night) and really intense too. Started sage in December, was sceptical at first but they seemed to make a difference. Missed quite a few doses over Christmas period and the hot flushes got worse again. So started the sage again which really does seem to help. I'm taking 1,140mg a day, half in morning and half in the eve after food. 

Seabreeeze

[catherinethegr]

Been on tamoxifen for 4 years now and battled with sweats day and night. First I took venaflaxin which worked great for night sweats but made me sweat profusely in the day. Now started gabapentin and on 400mg a day but not been much change as yet. Will increase dose to see if it helps. Being on steroids makes my weight go up so this will add to problem I guess. My cocktail of drugs amazes my friends and family!

[mandy12345]

Hi

i counted the hot flushed I had in one day worst was 50 average 20 have calmed a bit now.Seemed worse when stressed.

do any vitamins help?

does anyone take vit D for joint pain?Does it help?

yoga helped flushes but had prolapse so had to stop.

[nickif]

I decided to wait to see if a new brand of tamoxifen would make the SEs better. Which they seem to of at the moment so not going to take them unless they get worse again. I have them on stand by 🙂

[ST1]

Hi

Just wondering  if the venlafaxine was working for you ,are there any s.e 

I am considering taking them for hot flushes 

Thanks ST1

[nickif]

Hi, I have just been prescribed Venlafaxine for my hot flushes.. Hope they work and no SE of these!!

[Seabreeze]

Hi,

I've done just over a year of Tamoxifen, had hot flushes initally at night, then in Oct/Nov instantaneous boil in the bag during the day. Took Citalopram (for other reasons) and didn't find it helped much.Saw oncologist before Christmas who suggested trying evening primrose oil and sage! So far I think the sage may be making a difference. Difficult to know if it's just not being at work over Christmas or if it's the sage but the heat waves seem to have reduced, both at day and less at night.

Oncologist said take it in any form. I bought supplements from H&B, if it does work may need to get experimental in the kitchen, though can't imagine sage cookies taking off!

Or a trial eating Paxo for breakfast every day! Yuk!

Happy 2016's to all fellow Tamo takers!

xxx Seabreeze      

[Jobey68]

I take Venlafaxine and have an odd flush but nothing that bothers me xx

[Anniewol]

Hi Jill

My Doctor put me on clonodine to help the hot flushes, it has been used in the past to lower blood pressure, they are really helping, although I still have some hot flushes they are not as often and not as bad, an now going to try the Ladycare magnet to see if I can banish them completely.  Also I stopped the alcohol and that helped, when I do have a drink then I have a bad night, always hot!!

[Jill1998]

There are apparently a couple of anti depressants that help with hot flushes citolpram I think is one,a couple of the ladies I have spoken to feel it has helped a lot, may be worth speaking to your G.P.My hot flushes have been manageable til this week after 5 months on Tamoxifen,wondering if lack of exercise over Xmas period and a few drinks may be responsible ??

[nickif]

http://forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Complementary-therapies/Ladycare-Magnet/td-p/192329/page/3
found this thread 🙂

[nickif]

BJH... that looks really interesting. Just looking it up now. Might be worth a try...anything is worth a try!! 

Spoiler

Spoiler

 ( there is no emotional content, don't know wher that came from lol!)

[BJH]

Just wondering if any ladies have tried the Ladycare Magnet for hot flushes.  Any opinions ? x

[ST1]

Hi

I have been on tamoxifen for 6 months , I have really bad hot flushes at least 10 -15 Times a day 

Also night sweats I wake up drenched ,have to change a least twice .

Does anyone know how long it lasts ? I have heard venlafaxine (efexor) can help as anybody taken this?

Any advice appreciated  don't know if  I can do this for 5years.

St1

[Sara]

Exactly how I feel - dressing for summer, even when everyone else is wearing a coat!

[danielafederic]

hello ladies, I have taken tamoxifen for 2 1/2 years now, hot flushes went away only when I started doing sports consistently, which may sounds impossible to you right now but does happen in time! And I have menopause due to injections to suppress the ovaries.

[riversidedawn]

Sara Ive been on Tam since June and originally suffered terrible flushes 3-4 times an hour, just dripping and having to changed bed sheets during the night.

However for the last month or so that has stopped but I too feel hot all the the time. Im in vest tops and bare feet when the rest of the family are layering up with several sweaters and still feeling the cold!

[Sara]

Hi I've been taking Tamoxifen for 4 weeks and I'm really hot ALL THE TIME! Is anyone else having this?

[Anniewol]

I think the clonidine is starting to work, still have the hot flushes but they are not as bad and do not last as long, have been taking them now for about 8 weeks, so will keep on with them.  Not sure what the alternative is as don't really want to stop taking the Letrozole even though the aches and pains are not nice and have put on weight.  Hoping everything will even out at some stage.  Keep strong xx

[Duchess1]

I take exactly the same as you, not sure if clonidine is making much of a difference. Still have hot flushes and get tingling sensations down my arms. Monitoring this for a bit longer. Good luck with yours x

[Anniewol]

Hi Everyone
I am on Letrozole - Cipla brand - and have horrible hot flushes and have been to see my Doctor today who has prescribed Colnidine tablets which are supposed to help hot flushes. I am going to try them for 4 - 6 weeks and see if they make a difference. I take my Letrozole in the morning. Keep strong x

[Peartree]

...I can say I quit the Gabepentin after 2 days but some women have found it great. My flushes aren't significant now for it. Interesting I notice my body temperature has increased by .5c BUT I'm feeling more temp stable. I suspect this is the zoladex wearing off. We will see, still waiting for cycles to restart.
I'm finding it really hard to start running again: I'll have to start slow as my feet still feel brittle but I keep reading more and more about it really enhancing survival over walking and it's the only thing that really helped with the fatigue / temperature issues (I run with wet tshirts in summer at night and keep soaking them). Now, if only I can get out of bed....
I am really struggling with getting going (and after 2 flus!)....

[tweeks123]

Morning peartree
ive never heard of that what you have been put on..im also having cold chills and thee hot flushes not so much sweating though.im havibg acupuncture but not sure if its working ive also gone on decaf this week as coffee gives me hot flushes..ive got a banging head though thry did warn me when I went on decaf I would have bad heads fir a while..my tablets make me go to loo all the time too my bladder is always full ..
christine x

[Peartree]

I've not had major flushes (eg sweats like some of you), but I did have chills early on. I've started having hotter night spells (though think its my new pocket sprung mattress! :-)) I've been put on Gabapentin for a mix of issues. Am a bit unhappy about this but giving it a go. Sleep seems better, a bit calmer but no other change to uterine cramps I am having. I was suprised it's taken 2.1/2 years before anyone suggested trying this. To date it was only Effexor etc offered.

[tweeks123]

Hi take a deepbreath
thanks for that ive never heard of tomato juice helping with hot flushes im sure gonna ve buying some now though give it a try ..thanks x
christine x

[tweeks123]

Hi Ladies just been readung your post on hot flushes..im 3minths post rads now for the last two weeks ive been having acupuncture for hot flushes due to the tablets Letrozole. So far uve noticed if I have a drink of coffee I always get hot flush not long afrer so this week ive bought Decaff coffee im going to stay off my night time hot choc too..I will see how it goes staying o Decaf ..its horid quilt in quilt off all night long windows wide ope hubby going mad because cold or can hear car doors slamming when he is up at 2am for work ..good luck ladies x
christine x

[catokitty]

I am going out to get some tomato juice!  Thanks for the tip.  I am okay during the day but sometimes I wake up at night with a hot flush and I have to sleep with the window wide open which my husband hates.  I am on Letrozole but I think the side effects are more or less the same.  I read recently that women on hormone therapy shouldn't drink grapefruit juice because it raises oestrogen levels.   You live and learn!

[takeadeepbreath]

Anyone tried tomato juice ? A study by researchers at Tokyo medical university showed that 200ml twice a day reduced the severity of hot flushes. I have been doing this and it has helped reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flushes. I also take tamoxifen in the morning to try to reduce night sweats.

I don't even like tomato juice but will be buying it for the next 10 years. Hope this can help someone out there.

[Lucy_BCC]

Hi all

Here's some information from our clinical team which I hope you find helpful regarding this discussion:

This is a really good site for looking for evidence for herbs and botanicals:

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/treatments/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs/search?ke...

There is a section on black cohosh (as well as EPO which is also mentioned)


https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/black-cohosh

Our booklet may also be helpful too here's the link:

https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/publication/menopausal-symptoms-breast-cance...

Here's the Cochrane report on non hormonal interventions for reducing hot flushes:

http://www.cochrane.org/CD004923/BREASTCA_non-hormonal-interventions-for-reducing-hot-flushes-in-wom...

Best wishes
Lucy BCC

[Wendyy]

Chillow update. Night 1.

Mixed results!! Yes it was cold in fact a bit too cold in my cheek, but as I usually sleep with my hand on my pillow it was ok and I managed to get to sleep without the fan on. I did my normal waking up several times during the night. The Chillow loses its chill as the night goes on but I did manage to find a cold patch once or twice.

Overall first night opinion, a partial success but not a perfect solution.

Hope this helps.

[Sharnie]

I was thinking of investing in a chillow - let us know how you get on. I spend most of my nights rotating my pillows to be cooler!

[Wendyy]

Just got my Chillow today. Trying it for the first time tonight. I'll report back.

[pedal999]

Just a tip for those still struggling:-
As some have said, different brands of Tamoxifen will have different side effects, and different for different people..
So I got to a point where I manage my hot flushes / night sweats:- At one points I used to have 6 T-shirt nights, now only 1-2 t-shirt nights. 🙂
So how: trying different brands of Tamoxifen, and 2 Chillow Pillows (water filled thin pillows) - going to sleep on one, then swapping over once it gets hit..

[danielafederic]

I never heard of a naturopathic oncologist  before! Can I ask, did you have "traditional" treatments?

Regardless, I too read that black kohosh damages the liver in the long term... it is a pity as I was going to try it 😞

[kbmd]

That is interesting... my naturopathic oncologist prescribed the Black Cohosh.  Seems like everything has the good and bad effects.  I googled and read a few articles and it appears that some think Black Cohosh may act like estrogen --- bad for ER+ (which I am) --- but it also says the latest research shows this NOT to be the case.  At any rate, as with everything it is an personal choice.  For me, it works and I'll keep taking it awhile but appreciate your input because it sounds like there are more risks for long term usage (not related to cancer) and I may stop taking it sooner rather than later.