Menopause

Diagnosed with early stage BC 7 years ago all sorted now struggling severely with menopausal symptoms hot sweats are somewhat controlled by propanolol it's the itching and dry vagina that's driving me insane one dr says it's a brave man that will prescribe anything hormonal and another says the risk is small! It's my choice! How in gods name am I supposed to make that decision? anyone out there have any advice having gone or going through a similar thing? Any advice at allwould be gratefully recieved thanks guys!

  • I was thrown head first into the menopause after my ovaries were removed and I won't be on anything unless absolutely necessary. I know it's tough but nothing is worth the risk. Try and look for ways to deal with what you are having rather than treating what's causing them. Be brave and stay strong. Hard part is done. 

  • Hi. I recently had a total hysterectomy for womb cancer and am having the same problem.  A week after my op my vulva area became really sore.  Six weeks on and I'm still struggling with it. Have been to see GP, menopause specialist, dermatologist, tried loads of creams, supplements ....   Estrogen creams applied locally seem to be less risk. Meno specialist said if I did decide to take HRT to take it in gel form or patch. Obviously there will be some risk. 

    My Gynae oncologist who did the op wasn't interested, she said she couldn't see anything, all looked normal and would not recommend HRT, so gave me Amitriptyline.  
     

    With womb cancer I think a lot of the ladies who have it are already post menopausal.  I'm 52 and was going through the menopause, but after my op I went straight into 'surgical' menopause complete with the symptoms.

    One lady that I have been in contact with just decided to go on systemic HRT, as it's quality of life, not quantity.

    I start chemo next week and was hoping to have this sorted but you do seem to be left on your own to make a decision. 

    Sorry I've not been able to help you much, just wanted to let you know that you're not the only one trying to make the decision.  

     

  • Hi

    Bizzarely enough, blood pressure tablets can help with sweats, i had really bad sweats day & night, but when i was put on ramipril, only 5mg, they almost dissapeared over night, as i like you had Cancer (appendix, not breast) but still didnt want to take HRT, so i would suggest going to the DR to ask for them, hope it works for you!

    I still get night ones, which are awful, as my ovaries were removed, so i went bang in to it, like the lady underneath  - i use a cold flannel on the back of my neck, plus there is a scarf called menocool, available on amazon