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[N5ECY]

Hi all. Still struggling sleep wise. Hysterectomy 20 years ago. Ovaries out 10 years. Tried everything. Saw a gynae last year. Said to use Evorel patch 50 and go up to 100. I've got 2 benign breast lumps and the hrt 50 causes such swelling and breast pain so struggle with that but can just about manage on 25 patch. I wake about 4am and that's it. Clammy, cold, sweats. I enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, literally one glass but I'm beginning to think I'm intolerant and that worsens my sleep. Going to give it up and see if any improvement. I've been taking Maca this last week. I do feel bit better. Waiting for some red Maca to arrive as thats supposed to be better for menopause. Can I take maca with hrt. I'm so fed up. Honestly think I'll be like this for the rest of my life. I'm 62. Any thoughts? Thanks. Ps gynae said they don't routinely take ovaries out now. I can see why

[CLKD]

Morning.  It's The Change, which may throw up awful symptoms!  R U able to explain what 'maca' might be and why U think it will. help?

My Gynae was of the opinion 'in there, whip everything out, saves going back if there are future problems'.  Some allow women to keep 1 ovary.  What worries me is the lack of discussion with many of our issues 

Early morning wakening was my worst symptom for years!  Due to anxiety [which continues with medication].  Fortunately I haven't had flushing.

[N5ECY]

Hi. Maca is a Peruvian root vegetable. Have a Google. Men and women take it for libido buts it's supposed to be good for hot flushes. I've been taking the raw capsules for a week but have ordered some gelatinized red maca (there's 3 different colours) which is supposedly better for menopause. The gelatinized form is kinder on the stomach apparently. Ive not mentioned to gp as last time I did they'd never heard of it.

[CLKD]

Of course they haven't heard of it  .  Which is why I needed to ask ........ it's new to me.

Why take something that hasn't been given clearance by NICE?   .  MayB speak with a pharmacist to make sure that this isn't contra-indicative of other prescribed and over the counter meds. to be sure that it isn't going to cause more problems than it might solve? 


Obviously U need to avoid breast pain and discomfort - mine occasionally nip and I went into menopause years ago [can't actually remember without getting out a pen and paper].  When it's the side which was operated on in 1995 I do wonder: but usually it's due to lifting, cutting and trimming in our garden.

[CLKD]

You've got me searching now:

I wouldn't touch this with a bargepole:

Who should not take maca?

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Extracts from maca might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by estrogen, do not use these extracts.. U may find that your breast pain increases.

NHS: How long can I take Peruvian maca?

Maca is generally safe to eat as part of your regular diet. Research [no Papers noted though] has found it safe to take as a supplement of up to 3 g per day for no longer than four months.

However: 1 can grow it in containers in the UK - looks a bit like a swede/turnip with carrot tops .........  .  Some suggest planting seeds .......... most sites suggest checking with a GP/Pharmacist B4 using in case it interferes with other medications. 

Let us know how you get on.  I did see on one site that it may increase breast growth and tenderness 

[N5ECY]

Will do. I feel I've run out of other options. When I asked at breast clinic about taking hrt they said it's all about symptom control. Breast lumps are benign. I've had for donkeys years. One is a fibroadenoma and one hamartoma. 

[CLKD]

I compare maca to celeriac by the looks of it .  It does grow at altitude in Peru .........