Natural remedies ( or anything else,really!)that work well..

[hookiewookie29]

I'm 55. Periods stopped 16 months ago. Had a few hot flushes but nothing major to start with. However the last few months have been awful. Managed to get a doctor's appointment ( which is a miracle in itself ), had bloods taken etc. Because I have a family history of breast and bowel cancer, and I suffer from migraines, my GP wasn't sure what to prescribe etc. Had follow up phone call with GP yesterday- and I've been referred to a menopause clinic. With a waiting time of 6 months to a year in my area.
I can't wait that long- my symptoms are having an effect on every part of my life and I need something to help me now.
Has anyone taken, or is taking, any natural remedies, or anything else for that matter, that really do make a difference??
My most severe problems are joint pain and hot flushes- I'm absolutely dreading the summer! Also struggling a lot with insomnia ( not great when I work full time ), and peeing at night ( drives me mad!).I think I could cope with my other symptoms if I could get relief from the more severe ones.
Thanks x

You could look at seeing a different doctor, either a private GP or a menopause specialist if you can afford the appt fee (usually around £100 for a GP and £250 for a consultant). This would get you the help faster.

The guidance on family history is quite straightforward (it's on a video on the British Menopause Society website.)

Two or more first degree female relatives with breast cancer is a reason for caution but not a complete no-no.

First degree is your mum and a sister who were diagnosed at an early age (ie before 50.)

Any more family history then genetic testing is advised for the BRAC genes.

(I'm quoting from the BMS video here- where a breast specialist covers this topic.)

There are no herbal remedies etc that have been shown scientifically to help BUT some may a little.
Black cohosh can help flushes.

Go privately to a menopause clinic. It's 100% worth it.

Oh and migraine isn't a consideration (Migraine Trust has info on this, online.) You' d be better on transdermal estrogen (which is what most women use anyway now.)

Bowel cancer is not relevant AND HRT has been shown to reduce bowel cancer.

Your GP sounds, to be honest as if they aren't very clued up as these are very basic factors when prescribing hrt.

Private menopause clinic - one option, or a gynae consultant- many good consultants don't work in 'menopause clinics' but from private hospitals. (But check they have an interest in menopause in their bio.)

Red clover completely stopped my hot flushes. Worth a try as a large tub of red clover tablets from Holland & Barrett cost around a tenner.

See a private menopause specialist - there is a list on the BMS website.

Migraine just means you need patches or gel. Family history may not be relevant and also they can talk you through the risks so you make your own decision.

@cheapskatemum do you know what dosage you were taking?

The only thing that worked for me was walking

I walked at least 2 miles x 4 times a week and it kept the flushes at bay, plus made me tired enough to actually get to sleep

If I slacked with the walking, the flushes came back BIG TIME. Not saying they went away completely , but they weren't so bad, manageable

Also helped with the joint pain and the brain fog

No sorry, it as a while ago & I can't remember. Knowing me though, if there were different strengths, I'd have gone for the strongest!

Thank you- willing to try anything!

That's what I'm thinking lol!

Please read up on th homoeopathic remedy Sepia - some really excellent outcomes and is a well known well used remedy
DR homeo on google

@starlight48 I'm just starting to try sepia 30. It's for hot flashes and headaches. How long did it take to work for you?

I was 48 when I went through the menopause. Turmeric and black pepper helped, as did black cohosh root tea. See if you can get a homeopathist to advise you.

@BlancheSaysYes I didn't know that about turmeric and black pepper? I already take that for sinuses.

Used sepia 30c for roughly 4 weeks, started to seevimprovements by the end of the second week

Thank you for replying @starlight48 . I'll keep using it.

How are you getting on @hookiewookie29 ?