Managing menopause naturally

[That1950sMum]

I'm really suffering a the moment with hot flushes, poor sleep and itchy skin. Just wondered if anyone has had any success with natural remedies or changes in diet.

[Abra1de]

I think the trouble is that the NHS will often prescribe the cheapest version first. At least that’s what happens here. None of my friends have stayed on it as they all put on a sudden amount of weight. It was changed but the substitutes were no better.

[PollyPerky]

Not all women put on weight with HRT. I've not put on any weight and have used it for 10 years. The scientific research shows no connection with HRT and weight gain. Any weight gain can be temporary- perhaps bloating due to the type of progestogen (there are at least 3 different kinds and women react differently.)

Copenhagen There are also multiple links in this thread to the RCOG leaflet on alternatives to HRT. No one can say what works categorically as an alternative because the only thing that is proven to work for hot flushes etc is HRT. With other options it comes down to trying them and seeing what helps you. That can be a long and expensive process.

[Copenhagen]

I was on oestrogen only & bloated up like a balloon. Good point women react differently so one can have side effects and one can feel wonderful. Sounds like you are on the wonderful end

[PollyPerky]

A lot can depend on the way the estrogen is being delivered and the dose. I was advised to start with a tiny amount- gel- so I used about 0.4mgs a day for a couple of weeks, then increased to 1mg, the up to 1.5mgs which I've stuck to. This was very gradually over 4-6 weeks so my body gradually got used to it. Most pills are 1mg or 2mgs so you can't really adjust the dose. Patches are bit easier as there is more variation in dose availability. Sadly too many women are just given 'bog standard' pills and if they don't work, they give up.

[Copenhagen]

I was the gel. Just shows how different we are and how different our tolerances

[PollyPerky]

Ah I see! I did feel queasy at first- like morning sickness, but got round it by halving the dose and using am and pm.

[Copenhagen]

Gel is definitely the best option for those who choose HRT as you have control

[ssd]

interesting thread and lots of good advice for women like me approaching this stage....I dont have my mum or any female relatives to ask, so hearing of lots of different experiences is great.

[Abra1de]

Those approaching GPs for HRT really need a kind of hologram Polly to go in with them and insist on the ‘better’ varieties.

Why do doctors carry on prescribing the big standard when they know there’s a good chance it won’t agree with the woman? Purely budgetary?

[PollyPerky]

Why do doctors carry on prescribing the big standard when they know there’s a good chance it won’t agree with the woman? Purely budgetary?

I think sometimes it's lack of knowledge rather than money.
With gel for example, you need a separate progestogen so this raises the issue of which and what dose.

No HRT is expensive. And it's far cheaper than putting women on drugs for other health issues they may have later, or hospitalisation for fractures.

You can see prices here on this website.

menopausematters.co.uk/perimeno.php

menopausematters.co.uk/treatafter.php

They are a bit out of date I think but not more than the cost of an NHS prescription.

[ParisUSM]

I also have chosen not to use HRT (and incidentally left the menopause matters forum because of the way anyone who took this path was patronised) and have found that keeping vitamin d, and ferritin levels up have helped many of my symptoms. Most of my worst symptoms come from my fibroids and HRT wouldn't help there.

Unfortunately in perimenopause, oestrogen levels can be through the roof at times and many of the symptoms are from hormonal imbalance. I wish more information was given on this rather than everyone assuming that oestrogen depletion is the only thing going on.

[That1950sMum]

I'm glad I started this thread. So much good advice. I still don't want to try HRT so am giving up caffeine and trying Menopace to start with.

[VanillaSugar]

Thank you for this. I think I’ve just gone from peri to full menopause. What can I do about my mood swings?