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Hot Flashes

wmiller
wmiller CSN Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I was dignosed with breast cancer in August of 99 at age of 35. Because of my cancer I had a hysorectomy and I'm now taking Tamoxifen. I am experencing hot flashes and I haven't found anything that will help. I'm willing to try almost anything.
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Comments

  • bethb
    bethb CSN Member Posts: 2
    #2
    I am taking Effexor 37.5mg. It is sometimes presribed for depression, but my oncologist has read where these medications for depression help. I have a friend who also went through the same thing and her doctor presecribed Effexor as well. Just a thought. Hope things work out for you.
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  • cathyann
    cathyann CSN Member Posts: 26
    #3
    My oncologist prescribed a low dose of effexor (anti depressant) which worked wonders. still regret waiting so long to try something, give it a try and good luck!
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  • jochan
    jochan CSN Member Posts: 19
    #4
    Hi, I had a hysterectomy last year. I have ovarian cancer. I didn't want to go on hormones, so I researched on alternatives. The two best thing to consume is soya products and flax seeds. Since I started on both, I only felt hotflashes coming, without the sweat. All I have to do is take switch on the fan and it is gone. I drink soya milk and take 2 tablespoons of flax seeds in the morning with my cereal. Initially I thought it tasted peppery. Now I love it, even just chewing it on its own. You have to chew well, otherwise you might want to buy flax meal instead. Rgds, Joanna tanakkn@singnet.com.sg
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  • sbruney
    sbruney CSN Member Posts: 19
    #5
    I had the same problem, check out my question "Tamoxifin"' a few pages back. I go some good suggestions. Our doctors can't keep up with everything so it is good to have this resource. God bless, I hope you are doing well. Sandy
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  • cruf
    cruf CSN Member Posts: 908 Member
    #6
    A new article on WebMD today states they have found 60% relief of hot flashes using antidepressants. Prozac, effexor and Paxil are just a few.It states that Vit. E and soy are no more effective than treatment placebo. Hope this is of some help to you. Good luck. HUGS!!! Cathy
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  • pamtriggs
    pamtriggs CSN Member Posts: 386 Member
    #7
    jochan said:

    Hi, I had a hysterectomy last year. I have ovarian cancer. I didn't want to go on hormones, so I researched on alternatives. The two best thing to consume is soya products and flax seeds. Since I started on both, I only felt hotflashes coming, without the sweat. All I have to do is take switch on the fan and it is gone. I drink soya milk and take 2 tablespoons of flax seeds in the morning with my cereal. Initially I thought it tasted peppery. Now I love it, even just chewing it on its own. You have to chew well, otherwise you might want to buy flax meal instead. Rgds, Joanna tanakkn@singnet.com.sg

    Just a word about flax seed. If you have BC it is not advisable as it acts as an estrogen supplier & that is something you need to avoid. Check out with your oncologist first but Black Cohosh seems the best bet to get rid of the hot flashes.

    Good luck
    Pam
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  • pamtriggs
    pamtriggs CSN Member Posts: 386 Member
    #8
    You say you have had a hysterectomy but did they take your ovaries as well. IF so this will be causing the hot flashes. At least you will not have the wory of the well known side effect of ovarian cancer caused by Tamoxifen. Check with your oncoligist first but Black Cohosh is a good releiver of hot flashes. Avoid Soy & flax seed products as they both promote body production of estrogen. Even without ovaries you will still be producing estrogen so keep it to a minimum. Good luck
    Love & hugs
    Pam
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  • cruf
    cruf CSN Member Posts: 908 Member
    #9
    pamtriggs said:

    You say you have had a hysterectomy but did they take your ovaries as well. IF so this will be causing the hot flashes. At least you will not have the wory of the well known side effect of ovarian cancer caused by Tamoxifen. Check with your oncoligist first but Black Cohosh is a good releiver of hot flashes. Avoid Soy & flax seed products as they both promote body production of estrogen. Even without ovaries you will still be producing estrogen so keep it to a minimum. Good luck
    Love & hugs
    Pam

    Hi! I was told to stay away from black cohash as it too caused production of estrogen. I guess all MDs have different ideas! HUGS!! Cathy
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  • jeancmici
    jeancmici CSN Member Posts: 665 *
    #10
    cruf said:

    Hi! I was told to stay away from black cohash as it too caused production of estrogen. I guess all MDs have different ideas! HUGS!! Cathy

    Dr. Susan Love says to stay away from Black Cohosh.

    Jean
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  • momof2
    momof2 CSN Member Posts: 81
    #11
    I just had a hysterectomy not to long ago and my OB/GYN put me on a catapress patch called clonidine. There are 4 levels of medication you can up to. So far I am just on .2. It really works great. They are becoming less and less frequent. My oncologist said that it was fine to be on as well as long as my blood pressure stays stable. It is a medication to lower blood pressure. You might want to check into it. So many things have estrogen in them that oncologists recommend we stay away from. I was diagnosed with breast cancer almost a year ago, on April 16, 2001 at the age of 24. I had my hysterectomy due to a strong family history of cancer. If you ever want to chat sometime, e-mail me at home. It's cmlamm@netins.net. Take care!

    Carrie
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