Hot flashes

Westside
Westside Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I am currently taking Tamoxifen 20mg per day. I also have no ovaries. I was given Effexor to try and help the hot flashes. It has not worked for me. While I know alot suffer with hot flashes, I was wondering if anyone has had any relief with anything besides Effexor for hot flashes?

Comments

  • shoop
    shoop Member Posts: 4
    #2
    I also had hot flashes and still do but they are getting fewer and farther apart. I did use Effexor and it did help but I decided I didn't want to take it anymore. I am currently taking estroven (I just started this) and some glyconutritional supplements that I found while I was going through my chemo and radiation (I just finished everything in July). Since I started taking the combination of the estroven and the nutritional supplements I have seen a big difference.
  • jrowe
    jrowe Member Posts: 13
    #3
    Hi...I was having a lot of hot flashes too. I tried Effexor and it didn't work for me either. My oncologist had me start Vitamin E 1200mgs and it has taken about 8 weeks, but I find it is really helping. I also take my Tamoxifen at night so the majority of my flashes are at night rather during the day, which is what I prefer. I was told to make sure that I don't take anything with soy in it. My oncologist told me that if the E didn't work or my flashes got worse, he would give me Neurontin. Neurontin has worked for some people.
  • ksfc
    ksfc Member Posts: 251
    #4
    I've also found relief with vitamin E. I take 1000 mgs. a day. Diane
  • sassysally
    sassysally Member Posts: 150
    #5
    Bert, I had tried effexor and it was of no use. Ask your oncologist about something else. I have just learned to go with the flow. Blankets...no blankets. Cooler shower. Hot flashes are what they are. I would rather be hot than cold. Just part of the journey I guess. Hang in there.
  • lynne40
    lynne40 Member Posts: 87
    #6
    jrowe said:

    Hi...I was having a lot of hot flashes too. I tried Effexor and it didn't work for me either. My oncologist had me start Vitamin E 1200mgs and it has taken about 8 weeks, but I find it is really helping. I also take my Tamoxifen at night so the majority of my flashes are at night rather during the day, which is what I prefer. I was told to make sure that I don't take anything with soy in it. My oncologist told me that if the E didn't work or my flashes got worse, he would give me Neurontin. Neurontin has worked for some people.

    Hi,
    Just curious why no soy?
  • jake10
    jake10 Member Posts: 202
    #7
    shoop said:

    I also had hot flashes and still do but they are getting fewer and farther apart. I did use Effexor and it did help but I decided I didn't want to take it anymore. I am currently taking estroven (I just started this) and some glyconutritional supplements that I found while I was going through my chemo and radiation (I just finished everything in July). Since I started taking the combination of the estroven and the nutritional supplements I have seen a big difference.

    If your tumor was Estrogen+, is taking the herbal Estroven not dangerous? Beth
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    #8
    lynne40 said:

    Hi,
    Just curious why no soy?

    Soy ups production of estrogen, and is also part of the "synthetic" estrogen family; which is why it is often used for Hot Flashes, especially in women who do not want to take HRT...But soy is a No-No for Estrogen Positive Breast Cancer--we certainly don't want to give cancer anything else feed on and make grow, do we?! Some Drs. are not overly concerned about soy products, but I say "better safe than sorry"...hope this helps!
  • TylersMom1
    TylersMom1 Member Posts: 57
    #9
    Hi Bert,
    I also suffer from hot flashes and am on Effexor. That helped for a while but since my hysterectomy in September, my flashes have gotten worse. My oncologist suggested taking Black Cohosh pills. I just got them yesterday so I can't tell you if they work but the women at the natural food store said it does work. You may want to ask your onco about this. Hope you find relief! God bless...Cheryl
  • lynne40
    lynne40 Member Posts: 87
    #10
    chenheart said:

    Soy ups production of estrogen, and is also part of the "synthetic" estrogen family; which is why it is often used for Hot Flashes, especially in women who do not want to take HRT...But soy is a No-No for Estrogen Positive Breast Cancer--we certainly don't want to give cancer anything else feed on and make grow, do we?! Some Drs. are not overly concerned about soy products, but I say "better safe than sorry"...hope this helps!

    I eat soy products but my cancer was non hormone receptive. Can't get a yay or nay from the docs about soy maybe you are right just say no, better safe then sorry. Thanks!
  • dstarnes
    dstarnes Member Posts: 14
    #11
    I have gone through all the same things as you. I had a hysterectomy and ovary removal, also. My gynocologist suggested trying Zyrtec for the hot flashes. It's been a miracle drug for me. I take it everynight and have had no hot flashes, since being released from the hospital. Zyrtec is an allergy medicine, actually a antihistamine. My dr. had read about a clinical trial where they were having good results in using it. I am so thankful that she is young and very eager to help find something to help me. You might want to give this a try. It is a prescription medicine, so you'll need to have a prescription for it. It's been great for me. Deana

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