Hi all, I am 3 months into tamoxifen post lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy. and also had to have a hysterectomy a month ago my main problem is sleep disturbance and hot flushes as I have the double whammy of tamoxifen and no overies. i saw my oncologist last week who approved me taking 5htp for the sleep disturbance ( it increases uptake of seratonin and melatonin ) and she also suggested evening primrose oil and acupuncture. in researching these I came across lots of recommendations for taking sage as a supplement for the hot flushes. Looking at all the posts there seems to be a huge range of conflicting info so I had a look on the NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CLINICAL EXCELLENCE website which makes the following recommendations Menopausal symptoms 1.13.8 Discontinue hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. 1.13.9 Do not offer HRT (including oestrogen/progestogen combination) routinely to women with menopausal symptoms and a history of breast cancer. HRT[13] may, in exceptional cases, be offered to women with severe menopausal symptoms and with whom the associated risks have been discussed. 1.13.10 Offer information and counselling for all women about the possibility of early menopause and menopausal symptoms associated with breast cancer treatment. 1.13.11 Tibolone or progestogens are not recommended for women with menopausal symptoms who have breast cancer. 1.13.12 The selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor antidepressants paroxetine[14] and fluoxetine[14] may be offered to women with breast cancer for relieving menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes, but not to those taking tamoxifen. 1.13.13 Clonidine, venlafaxine[14] and gabapentin[14] should only be offered to treat hot flushes in women with breast cancer after they have been fully informed of the significant side effects. 1.13.14 Soy (isoflavone), red clover, black cohosh, vitamin E and magnetic devices are not recommended for the treatment of menopausal symptoms in women with breast cancer. as you see they clearly state that we should avoid soy, red clover, black cohosh, and vitamin e and magnetic devices so am I wrong to chance taking the sage ?
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