Vitamin E for hot flashes

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cindycflynn
cindycflynn Member Posts: 1,132 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I hadn't read about this before, so I thought I would share it.

I just finished my last chemo, and was pre-menopausal before starting chemo. Haven't had a period since just after my first chemo treatment, and after the 3rd chemo have been having hot flashes more and more often, up to about 15 times or more a day.

When I spoke to my oncologist about it, she recommended trying vitamin E (she said I could take up to 800 IU per day) to try to help with the hot flashes. I've now tried this for the past 5 days, and I have to say, that it has REALLY helped a lot. I still get a few flashes, but I those I get seem less intense than what I was having before, and there are definitely a lot fewer of them.

I've since read a bit more on the internet, and it seems like you probably don't want to take it while you're still on chemo since vitamin E is an antioxidant and can counteract the effects of the chemo.

If you're having hot flashes, you might want to ask your doctor about vitamin E. I was very happy to find something to help that was more natural, has other benefits, and very few side effects (from what I read, it can increase bleeding and may not be right for those with heart issues, so as always you should talk to your doctor before starting to take it).

Cindy

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  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #2
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    I have read about this too
    I have read about this too Cindy! Glad it is helping you with your hot flashes.

    Thanks for posting it!

    ♠♣ Susie ♠♣
  • ms_independent
    ms_independent Member Posts: 214
    #3
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    can't wait
    I can't wait to try it. I've been having an awful time. I have just a few hot flashes during the day but, it happens all night long. I haven't had a decent night sleep in weeks. Thanks!!!!

    El
  • GreeneyedGirl
    GreeneyedGirl Member Posts: 1,077
    #4
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    ms_independent said:

    can't wait
    I can't wait to try it. I've been having an awful time. I have just a few hot flashes during the day but, it happens all night long. I haven't had a decent night sleep in weeks. Thanks!!!!

    El

    This is what has helped me~~
    I am only having "warm" flashes tho, no sweat breakers as of yet. I also had trouble sleeping greatly, waking up at 3am and laying there for a couple hours.
    I take a supplement called "Melatonin Plus" and it is a B6 based supplement with melatonin added. I buy it at Costco, or Fred Meyer grocery store. I take 2 before bedtime, and in about 10 days had no more warm flashes to speak of. And I sleep alot better too!
    I also started taking a B12 supplement that I got at walmart that is "sublingual" meaning it dissolves under your tongue (cherry flav).
    Hope it helps~
    Melanie

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