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[Taz2]

Rosebush - I was on Vagifem for a few months but then went on HRT proper so could discontinue it.

JFF - I don't mean to be funny but Ovestin seems to carry exactly the same risks as Vagifem - they both release small amounts of oestrogen into the blood stream with the same results. Why do you think that Ovestin is safer for long term use?

Love Taz x

[Jacksfullofaces]

Hi Taz
I know you are not being funny  . Ovestin is said to be a low oestrogen preparation which is safe for long term use. From the research I have carried out these creams are supposed to be safer then systemic HRT but there are so many contradictions about the menopause and hrt it is increasingly difficult to know just who to believe.
Only last week I read three peculiar statements about breast cancer
drinking coffee raised breast cancer risk
drinking coffee reduced breast cancer risk
vigorous exercise reduced breast cancer risk
moderate exercise did not reduce breast cancer risk
Then you get all of the menopause myths and rubbish on a few weird internet sites and in my opinion all a person can do is use their common sense and try and ignore the scaremongerers.
On this site there is a movie promoting vaginal creams as safe for usage.
I reckon poker is less confusing then the menopause club 
 Jacksfullofaces

[Taz2]

I reckon you're right about the poker 

Vagifem also has a really low concentration of oestrogen so I guess that's why the two of them come out the same in terms of risk. In fact the side effects and warnings seem to be exactly the same on the leaflets. As for all the different risks and benefits of HRT I have given up trying to work it all out.

Taz 

[Rosebush]

Well i am not sore now, so will continue with it if Gp will do repeat script, god the things we have to put up with..

Just reading this........

Vagifem vaginal tablets release small amounts of oestrogen locally into the vaginal tissues and are used ''short-term'' to provide relief from the vaginal symptoms of the menopause, such as dryness, itching and irritation.

I note the short term use of the tabs..BUT the meno is not short term, and even when all my symptoms have disappeared ( ?)  i expect the dryness will still be there, so thats not short term..

[Blanche]

Hi all,

Just wanted to pass on my tip for combatting hot flashes.  I use Soya Isoflavone capsules and as much of any other soya product as I can swallow (yoghurt and milk for example).  It seems to work.  Night flashes are minimal now, and daytime ones are much less often and far less severe.  I'm 53, and have been in my menopause for at least 3 years or more.  Hope you find this useful.

Blanche

[Poppy2]

Can anyone tell me where I can purchase Meno Herbs 2?  I bought them online and found them so good for hot flushes but they don't seem to be available any more.  Any help appreciated!

Hot flushes
The hot flush, or flash, is well known as the classic menopausal symptom and affects 60–85% of menopausal women. Hot flushes and sweats are called vasomotor symptoms and vary immensely in both their severity and duration; for many women, they occur occasionally and do not cause much distress, but for about 20% they can be severe and can cause significant interference with work, sleep and quality of life. Women are affected by vasomotor symptoms on average for about 2 years but, for about 10%, symptoms can continue for more than 15 years.
Hot flushes usually last 3–5 minutes and are thought to be caused by a change in the temperature-controlling part of the brain.Normally, there is a daily pattern of rises and falls in your body temperature, being lowest at about 3am and highest in the early evening. These small changes are not normally noticed, but a menopausal woman may flush with every temperature rise, whether these are normal changes or not – for example, moving between areas of different temperature or having a hot drink – because of a change in the setting of the temperature control centre in your brain; your body thinks that it is overheating even when it isn't. To try to cool your body down, a variety of chemical reactions cause the blood vessels in the skin to open up, giving the sensation of a rush of heat, and sweat glands release sweat to dissipate heat.
It is believed that the changes in various hormone levels that occur around the time of the menopause, lead to the change in the setting of the temperature control centre, but the exact underlying mechanism is still unclear.
Other factors that can also cause flushes include being overweight, alcohol, excess caffeine, spicy foods, monosodium glutamate and some medications. Eating a healthy diet and losing weight if necessary can be helpful. Other simple measures that can help include:
•           wearing cotton clothing rather than man-made fibres
•           wearing loose thin layers of clothing rather than thick tight-fitting clothes
•           keeping your bedroom temperature fairly cool at night – either leave a door or window open or consider a fan (partner permitting of course!).
Flushes affect every woman differently and, for many, no specific treatments will be required. When flushes are embarrassing, disruptive and affecting your quality of life, then help is available and your doctor will give you an individualised treatment plan – we are all unique!
Headaches, palpitations (sensation of heart racing) and dizziness can be associated with vasomotor symptoms. Excess caffeine can worsen palpitations, so take coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks in moderation.
 
Tell us what works for you.
 

[rosiemay]

Hi all,

im new here so i will introduce myself first  my name is rosie and I have been going through the menopause for last 3 or more years. Hot flushes and weight gain has been my main problems. I havent really taken anything for the flushes I just battle through them as best I can. But i have found some very useful information reading your posts and i think i will be looking to try something out.

But the weight issue continues for the moment anyway 

rosie

[juliamd]

 
hi rosie, nice to have you with us.
it was the hot flushes that drove me to hrt last year, it worked well, but now coming of and waiting for them to get going again!
always plenty to read about and support from  other meno chicks, plus a little madness too
love poppinsxx

[Taz2]

Hi Rosiemay - welcome from me too   

Love Taz x

[dando]

Hi Poppy2

I used to use Meno Herbs 2, too!  However, I believe that due to some sort of legal issue they are now no longer available.  The place I used to buy them from however, (online) does advocate a substitute which I have been using for a month to quite good effect.  I'm not sure I can post the name or link here so if you PM me, I will give you the details

[Fizzy]

I've been trying a combination of Black Cohosh capsules (2 x twice a day) and Sage capsules (also 2 x twice a day) and it's working wonderfully.  I've been having really bad sweats for 4 years day and night and tried most things at least once including Black Cohosh a few times but the combination with Sage capsules has had a great effect.  I get a great night's sleep every night and can honestly say I have had no sweats, just a very occasional warm (not hot) feeling.  Long may it continue!  I feel normal again!!! 

[dando]

That is excellent news!! I'm using Ladies Choice - the substitute for Meno Herbs 2.  Still having sweats and flushes but not as often or as bad as I did.  Not sure if its due to this new product tho, or if - after being in the meno nearly 2 years, this is just another part of the "cycle"

[bevjtaylor]

I took HRT last year and quickly felt the benefit however I came off after 6 months. Not really comfortable taking it - I have had a little breast cancer scare (am all OK) and I need to have a bone density test and doctor said I had to stop HRT first. I was fine for about 3 months but now the night flushes are back with a vengeance. Not tried anything - just keep window open, even in this weather - but think I might need to look for something now as lack of sleep getting to me. I love having a bath before bed but wonder if I should give this up. 

[man utd fan]

Hello ladies
I am new to thie site and hoping it can help me understand what is happening to me! I am 46 and I think I am in the perimenopause. My periods have become a bit less regular than they used to be - went 3 months without one then back to normal then missed again etc. I've also had some hot flushes - just feelings of being very hot, no sweating. The thing that is worying me is in December I had a hot flush and this caused my heart to race and I felt very dizzy when I stood up. It took ages to wear off and was really scary. Then I was fine until exactly a month later when it happened again. It's now happened a third time - with 4 weeks between each 'episode'. I saw my GP and he said it was a panic attack but didn't suugest it could be menopause related. I've been searching the net and found that it can be associated with menopause and low oestrogen levels and found your site. Has anyone else had similar symptoms and if so how have you coped?

[Taz2]

Hi Man Utd Fan - welcome to the forum.

The symptoms you describe sound typical of a hot flush. Mine used to make my heart race, I would get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach and maybe the feeling of wanting to go to the loo (bowels) followed by the hot flush and then gradually the heart rate would slow down. I would feel very tired for a while after the flush. This ended up happening every 20 minutes which is why I started HRT.

I would say that you should monitor when the episodes occur so that you have something concrete to show your GP. Try not to worry - you will get used to it - honest.

Have a good look around the site. You will find lots of support on here - we are a friendly, if slightly mad, bunch of ladies.

Love Taz x