Taking Vitamin E for hot flashes

Options
mjjones453
mjjones453 Member Posts: 155
edited March 2015 in Breast Cancer #1

I Saw my Oncologist yesterday; I told him iI was taking vitamin e  for hot Flashes ( my mom swears that tshe had no hot flashes because of vitamin e). He told me to immediately stop taking them.  They cause issues with the heart, and others.  I was surprised by this.  I can't remember the "other" things he mentioned. Has any one heard of this?

Comments

  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #2
    Options
    All my doctors aware I take Vitamin E for hot flashes

    I've been on Tamoxifen for 5 1/2 years since my original diagnosis, and my main side effect from it is hot flashes.  I've been taking Vitamin E (standard drugstore Vitamin E gels, 400 IU, twice a day) for years, and it really does help with hot flashes for me.  Doesn't completely eliminate them, but helps a lot.

    My oncologist and OB/GYN are both aware I take Vitamin E, and are fine with it.  My oncologist did mention that there's some conflicting evidence about Vitamin E's effect on your heart, but didn't feel it was a risk for me.

    I'm sure your own individual risk is a big factor:  I have a family history of heart disease, and have high blood pressure, but have no other heart-related issues.  Also, I'm on a daily baby aspirin at my oncologist's recommendation, as he feels there's strong enough evidence that a daily baby aspirin may help prevent breast and colon cancer.  And I know baby aspirin helps protect your heart.

    I also know that most surgeons will ask you to stop taking Vitamin E before any surgery, as it can increase bleeding.  My surgeon had me stop taking it about a week before my recent mastectomy.

    So...I think the most important thing is to talk with your doctor in detail about your individual risk, and weigh that against the benefits.  If your oncologist isn't being very clear about why he's making this recommendation, you might try speaking with your primary care doctor, or another one of your doctors.

    Traci

  • mjjones453
    mjjones453 Member Posts: 155
    #3
    Options
    Vitamin E

    Traci you may be correct.  I do have an Aortic Valve stenosis from Rheumatic Heart Disease.  I was so supprised at his reaction.  I am glad that you are benefiting from it! I am celebrating my five years of being NED!

  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member
    #4
    Options
    I was also told to stop

    I was also told to stop taking Vitamin E a few years ago. I can' remember anymore why I shouldn't. I do remember that that particular doctor took a blood level of Vitamin E and it was too high. I learned from him that just because you take a vitamin or mineral, doesn't mean it's always good for me and that if a blood level test exists, it should probably be checked on if it can have negative effects on the body!

    I used to take Evening Primrose Oil supplements for hot flashes but I made sure i asked my doctor if it was ok.

  • button2
    button2 Member Posts: 421
    #5
    Options
    I'm sorry you have hot flashes

    I still get them after three years on Tamoxifen. I don't like to take supplements or too many medicines. What I do sounds overly simple, I know, but I always wear T-shirts with a sweater on top in winter. I take the sweater on and off all the time, sometimes after only a couple of minutes. My family is used to it by now and it seems to work for me.

Discussion Boards