Alternatives to HRT

[KT12]

In the last two weeks started having hot flushes and night sweats. No period for the last two months. No other symptoms, thank goodness. The hot flushes are a bit embarrassing... I have looked at more natural alternatives to HRT, eg Soya isoflavones recommended by a friend, only to find that it has very similar risks to HRT for breast cancer and unitary tract problems. I have suffered with bladder infections for years so not keen on taking anything with this risk!

Any experiences of alternatives to HRT that work and have minimal risks would be very appreciated!

I'm avoiding HRT because my mum died from advanced breast cancer.

So far, the absolutely best thing I can recommend in terms of controlling the hot flushes/night sweats is to cut down on your carbohydrate consumption - sugar/alcohol are the worst culprits!

I was taking Boots Menolieve for a while, which seemed to help. Currently I am free from the flushes (they do seem to come and go), but as I am on a strict, low carb diet - to lose weight - perhaps that's no coincidence.

My last period was August, so I'm hopeful that this is it, and that I might be coming out the other side, so to speak!

I wonder what makes you think that HRT causes problems with the bladder? Usually it helps.

I would not dismiss HRT outright unless you have reason to such as close family with BC.

I have been taking it for 3 years. I feel very well on it but am aware of the risks.

If you go to www.menopausematters.co.uk ( check that- might be .org or something) there is a good link in the menu to HRT and you can work out your risk according to your age and medical history.

There is also info on alternative treatments.
Site is run by a gynae and it's quite unbiased.

BIWI My last period was August until last week and had the heaviest one ever.

BIWI you need to wait at least 12 months and longer if you are under 50 to be sure it's all over.

My symptoms only started once my periods stopped at 53-54. I had no peri symptoms.

Thanks for replies...I am obviously only just beginning on this journey. With regard to unitary tract..I read somewhere that negative effects are under reported. There are reports that HRT can reduce infections, and then there are reports that almost counteract this. While breast cancer is the main risk, there are many others, heart disease for example.

I'm afraid I am a bit purist about what medication I take and therefore I would like to explore all options, but if HRT is the only option then I will consider. Just thought it worth asking ladies here what their experiences are.

So please any more alternative suggestion?.....BIWI thanks for suggestion Menolieve - I will look into it.

A friend of mine suggested making a menopause cake and eating a slice everyday. You can google the recipe.

KT12 - I also took Menolieve as soon as menopausal symptoms started at 45.

I still got hot flushes but not that many. I am convinced the tablets helped my mood swings though as I stopped taking them at one point and felt very down until I started them again.

I am now 49 and have not had a period for 2 years so I guess I am on the other side .

amelia - I shall be 53 this summer, hence me thinking (hoping!) that I am almost through the other side of it. And I know it has to be a year. Just keeping everything crossed.

sailorsgal - I'm not listening to you .....

The link between HRT and bladders is more about leakage- some women have found that they have more stress incontinence when taking combined HRT. Generally though, oestrogen helps bladders and some women I know have had good improvement with bladder issues by using local vaginal oestrogen.

There are also lots of different routes for HRT I use a gel and take progestins just once every 3 months as this is supposedly safer.

Sage tincture has a good reputation for flushes but you have to watch out for side effects with thingslike black cohosh. Menolieve is supposed to be good.

sorry- missed your other point about heart disease.

Why not have a look at the MM site? The risks you talk about do not apply to women under 60- or are very rare- so it might help to have a look at the stats.

The only problem with my bladder I experienced while taking HRT was that I had to get up during the night to wee. GP said it wasn't connected to the HRT, just an 'ageing bladder'. Strange how it stopped as soon as I came off it

A really good site is this www.drnorthrup.com/ Go to the a-z area and look up your symptom for some useful information.

Thanks again for replies. Menopause cake is an interesting idea - did make me laugh! Can't see myself baking a cake every week and eating a slice daily for the next few years - but the ingredients are things I will try to use more in the food I eat.

I do have a very weak bladder - always have had from childhood which got considerably weaker after having a baby at 43. I have two or three night sweats every night and don't want to risk anything else interfering with my sleep. I also have Carpel Tunnel Syndrome which also interferes with my sleep.

Interestingly the main ingredient in Menolieve is Black Cohosh. I am finding that I get more hot flushes when in a very warm environment, ie the heating is up high in a room or car. I already tend to get out for a walk or run 3 - 5 times a week. I have not had any weight gain and in fact more recently have lost weight. But I am feeling a bit more fatigued.

Thanks for the website Almondfinger.

Has anyone tried Amberen?

I am 2 years into the peri- menopause. I have had spells of hot flushes then spells where periods returned.
A year ago I was having hot flushes every hour and I had hoped the worst was over as they seemed to have stopped during the day. I didn't find them unbearable and was hoping to avoid HRT.
Suddenly they are back and worse, sweating as well.
I have identified that a change in environmental temperature triggers one, as does a hot drink. So if I move from a warm to a cool room or vice versa that sets it off. Hard to avoid really.
I have a fan in the bedroom and the window open ( DH has to wrap up).

I've just started using Soya Milk as I can not take HRT or the natural alternatives. Just googled menopause cake, I'll give that a whirl too - extra soya. Any one else tried it?