Flushes

[Viv45]

Hi

55 year old . Post menopause.

I don’t take HRT as a real fear of breast cancer . My dad died young of prostate cancer.

Lately flushes have been off the scale ( weather is warm ) but irrespective they are intense and very regular. Actually making me feel sick .

Worried I have something else going on but recent blood work was clear .

Anyone had this to this intensity. I have never had a full on night sweat ( I know they could come ) always flushes but I am really struggling.

10 to 20 per day. Embarrassing and wiping me out .

Now thinking to risk HRT and get life back but I know I would worry constantly.

My last period was 2023 so definitely post menopause.

I thought the intensity would dwindle albeit I know this …. Show is a lifelong
Anyone ?

Is the fact your father had prostate cancer a reason not to use HRT?

I've not heard of the connection, although I've heard of the reverse that men whose mums had BC/ovarian cancer can be at a higher risk of prostate cancer.

I have never heard of women being asked about their father's health, other than if a father had breast cancer (which men can but rarely.)

The number of flushes is quite normal for many women. Mine were hourly and I started on HRT at that point.

JinglingSpringbells thanks . Prostate cancer can be linked to breast cancer.

Thanks the intensity of the flushes is not very pleasant . Does HRT stop them or lessen ?

Yes HRT can help lessen the frequency and intensity of hot flushes. I haven’t had one at all since starting HRT. FWIW my mum died of BC which was related to taking HRT, but the benefits far outweigh the increased risk to me. I wouldn’t say I was suicidal but I definitely didn’t care if I lived or died at my worst. These days I’m loving my life and - while its easy to say when I’m healthy - I would much rather enjoy my life for fewer years than live with the awful symptoms of meno for longer. If the flushes are your only symptom maybe there are other options?

Have you tried a herbal supplement? I started hot flushes a year ago (perimenopausal) and don’t really want to go on to HRT until I feel I really need to (years of hormones on the pill didn’t agree with me).
A friend suggested herbal supplements and I thought I may as well give it a try. I started taking one with maca root, sage and milk thistle. To my surprise it worked very well.
I do still occasionally get the flushes but they are 95% gone and the ones I do have are nowhere near as bad as those I was having last year.
May be worth a try if you don’t want to take HRT.

Thanks SnowflakeSmasher86

No , not the only symptoms I am not having a good time . Also think I am very depressed. I am sorry about your mum and I am swaying to agree with you re HRT

Thanks Sarkyandcynical

I tried sea buckthorn can’t say any difference. I had flushes since Peri but this latest intensity is awful . I am soaking wet during the day . It’s like night flushes reversed to day time

Don't be fobbed off with anti depressants if you want hrt OP. On the other hand, there is an anti depressant that the Dr can prescribe which reduces hot flushes and may tackle your depression too.

Both if you're lucky!

Thanks TheLurpackYears

I am really fed up with it . Came through peri, menopause and hit post menopause and omg this is a new beast . I had 3 years of insomnia that’s a lot better but definitely having day flushes like nothing I have experienced. Not pleasant .

Back to GP I think . Thank you