Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: karin on November 01, 2014, 07:24:44 PM
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3 werks of no HRT and taking starflower and not one single sweat yet ( plenty of time to restart, I know, ) had a massive emotional plunge when i stopped but thats picked up now, it hasnt effected any other symptom positively or negatively but so far so goid with stopping sweats
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What strength are you taking, Karin? And did you 'overlap' with the hrt or just stop it and then start with the starflower? It's great that you are feeling some benefit :)
Thanks
Lynn
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1x 1000 capsule per day starting the day i stopped x
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Thanks Karin. I might try starflower myself before increasing hrt - flushes coming back a bit, but this might be the warmish weather lately. Who knows? Hope your sweats stay gone! :)
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Still no sweaty bettys but i realise other factors might influence
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I stopped adding in starflower caps when I went on holiday. I'm only using half an Estradot 25 patch twice a week, as trying to wean myself off completely. Thought the starflower weren't helping. However, now realise they were. Flushes not gone, but much less hot than they were on just the Estradot.
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Every little helps! Xx
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Wish I'd known about the starflower oil when I stopped HRT in September. My flushes came back worse than ever before. Just started the starflower oil this week and already seeing a difference ;D
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We should keep posting every few weeks to see if good effects remain xx
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Just thought id mention that ive cut my dose in half as i had a couple of days of palpatations- dont know if thats a coincidence or not, but the palps stopped straight away Anyone else noticed this??
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AM watching the results with interest Karin! I cant have HRT because of serious health issues, and am desperate to make the Sweats go away...what are the common side effects I should know about with Starflower caps?
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I've not had problems with palpitations. Does taking half still work for the flushes? I cut out caffeine as well and have had some really bad headaches which I suppose is down to that. I never thought I drank that much tea and coffee anyway ???
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It seems to work to far....
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Still not had a sweat and sleeping fine. Im taking 3/4 of a capsule daily and no palpatations either
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Tawanda i think there is unlikely to be much in the way of side effects but obviously dont have more than recommended daily dose and read up about it online, especially if you have health issues, if suitable you could start with half the amount daily and build up. See if you notice any benefits?
I tried menopace and soy and didnt notice any differece
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Yes ladies, please keep us updated, thank you
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Almost 6 weeks and not a single sweat, sleep is reasonably good ( not as fab as pre peri but better then the last year- i had regular nights with little or no sleep before, now it takes a while but when i drop off thats it!!)
It has taken 4 weeks coming off the hrt to stop being a crazy hormone monster! And my hair is still horrid- but cant blame the starflower for that 😀
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HI
I got the starflower idea from this forum, was having 3-4 hot sweats every night, started on 3,000mg and they disappeared in 3 days. Have now cut down to 2,000mg a day and now have maybe 2-3 hot flushes a WEEK ;D
It really does work - for me, anyway
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Thats great! How old is everyone? Just trying to see if the results are better in a particular age group? Im 51
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Started on the starflower two days ago. Still getting flushes but not as intense. Hoping they suit me better than red clover. whic made me itch, and sneeze a dozen times a day - presumably i was having an allergic reaction though I've never been a hay fever sufferer...
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I had mentioned this on a previous post.
We seem to be far more likely to pop supplements, vitamins and minerals without question instead of taking drugs like HRT.
http://articles.latimes.com/2003/dec/22/health/he-supp22
http://www.livestrong.com/article/126727-side-effects-starflower-oil/
I'm struggling to see any long term study on this supplement also. ???
I'm going to stick with my HRT.
:-*
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I had mentioned this on a previous post.
We seem to be far more likely to pop supplements, vitamins and minerals without question instead of taking drugs like HRT.
http://articles.latimes.com/2003/dec/22/health/he-supp22
http://www.livestrong.com/article/126727-side-effects-starflower-oil/
I'm struggling to see any long term study on this supplement also. ???
I'm going to stick with my HRT.
Yeah I read all that first too ???. Then I tried it anyway because it was on BOGOF at H&B and it works for me. I'm sure it's not placebo because I started on 3,000 mg, reduced to 2,000mg no problem, when I reduced to 1,000mg night sweats came back almost immediately.
Plus, GLA doesn't have any side effects that I know of
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Hi Floray
great that you feel well on the oil.
Had you not considered HRT at anytime?
Or did your doc say no because your still younger?
For me I went through a lot of unnecessary hoops due to my peri.
My doc seemed to avoid the obvious :o
:-*
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Starflower oil also known a borage oil, has many other health benefits too besides hormone balance http://wholehealthchicago.com/428/borage-oil/
So keep taking it girls and reap the benefits :)
http://www.livestrong.com/article/149219-what-are-the-benefits-of-star-flower-oil/
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Sorry silverlady but a bit shocked at the wholehealthchicago link.
More info on that links than I provided.
Glad to see they are so open about that information in relation to this supplement.
Seems almost silly that the docs give us hassle about taking natural estrogen ::)
But yet any of us can go out and buy these supplements and take as much as we like.
Without realizing what they may contain or do to us.
Also without any concern from our worrisome docs.
Quote from wholehealthchicago
Cautions
Although a possible alternative to evening primrose oil, far less information is available on the safety and effectiveness of borage oil.
Because of the still-unproved but theoretical risk for liver damage posed by the PAs in borage oil, people with liver problems may want to use evening primrose oil instead.
Only use borage oil in high doses or over a number of months if you're under a doctor's supervision. Periodic liver function tests would be a wise precaution.
Because of its unproved but potential health risks, a number of countries disapprove of the use of borage (the oil and herb) as a medical treatment. Others, including Germany, have established standards for the maximum amount of PAs allowed in borage products.
Largely because the risks of using borage oil are still unknown, pregnant or nursing women should avoid this herb.
The stems and leaves of borage herbs are tasty, but they contain relatively high concentrations of toxic PAs; therefore don't consume them in large amounts. And don't rub the herb directly on open cuts or irritated skin.
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Most borage ( starflower) supplements are sold PA free.
There is nothing wrong in taking in the prescribed dose. Starflower supplements are perfectly safe.
"The seeds, flowers and leaves of the borage plant are revealed to have traces of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These can be toxic in high concentrations an can affect the liver. Although the oil may not contain any of these toxins it can be contaminated during extraction and processing of the oil. This is the reason why certain commercial products certify as being free of PAs. Extra care has to be taken when using the borage plant in its natural form and when it comes to products look for the certification that it contains borage oil and is free of toxins"
Just like the cautions with HRT. you use your discretion.
Not every woman wants to take HRT, just as not every woman wants to take supplements, this just happens to be a thread about women finding that starflower is helping them.
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Hi Silverlady
I'm just posting inline with the topic and the link you posted.
Its good that this is helping some people I've already agreed with that.
However just look for a few of these to buy and you don't see any PA free options mentioned.
Even on the labels.
If they were certified PA free then this would be stated in the packaging and website at least.
In relation to your statement about some ladies don't want to take HRT.
Imho a lot of these ladies are frightened off HRT long before they can get it so that it could do any good.
But we are willing to take other things that are less controlled and tested in comparison to the way we expect of our medicines.
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A tip for those taking GLA supplements don't forget to balance it out with omega 3s.
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I took Starflower and Evening primrose oil after a hysterectomy at the end of September which plunged me into surgical menopause ( I am 46 years old). I took 2 x 1000mg a day and it definitely helped the sweats but not the insomnia. I am now on Femseven Conti patches and am so bloated and my tummy hurts that I think I am going to go back on the natural medicine, or maybe cut my patch in half and take the starflower oil at the same time? Any thoughts on that (The starflower capsules said 1 - 2 capsules a day).
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I believe you can take starflower alongside hrt.
When on hrt patches i slept really well through the estrogen ones but had terrible insommnia when on the progesterone patches. Im currently a Big fan of starflower and also take a fish oil. Its a personal thing- trial and error so keep trying !!!
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Silver lady
which ones are PA free?
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Hi wanderersmelody
surely the tummy pains and bloated feeling could be due to other problems other than the hrt?
Certain foods will set me off, not my HRT.
Not that I'd want to put anyone off their breakfast, lunch or dinner.
I've heard recently that some people can develop problems with lactose and gluten later in life.
I don't think I'm that bad but certainly types of foods and over doing it food wise can set me off.
The worst one for me is if I don't drink enough liquids then I get a slow down effect and painful tummy sometimes (enough said) :P
Sorry if your feeling terrible but might be better trying to see if there is something else wrong "tummy" wise that needs looked at by your doc.
Don't start changing too much at once, possibly the doc can give your something to ease or soften things to start with and that might ease your pain and bloated feeling.
:-*
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Source Naturals Mega-Gla 300 Borage Seed Oil amazon uk
Nature's Best
Any product that is UK tested, or certified organic, you get those in large sachet packets on amazon.
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Sorry silverlady but the one you posted was the one I mentioned that I had looked at details already.
No mention of PA free on label and one of the reviews also states this.
:-*
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Another 2 weeks have passed and still not a single sweat, flush or emotionsl outburst!! How are other starflower ladies doing?
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Same here Karin - been taking it for a couple of months now and feel so much better. Hot flushes, tender boobs, mood swings all hugely improved. In fact can't remember last time I had a hot flush!
Long may it continue.
W x
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I decided to go back on the starflower eeven though I'm back on hrt because the flushes were still stopping me sleep though definitely not as bad. Not getting any flushes in the day and only the odd one at night :) Going to keep on with it! I'm taking a higher dose as mention in this thread so then I can cut down later and see how it goes.
Glad to hear your still doing well Karin and Westie
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I was wondering if taking the oil while on HRT is ok. Seems like it is from what people have said here, and the studies etc. I've been on 1mg of estradiol for 2 weeks now. It almost immediately reduced the frequency and intensity of the night sweats that were giving me awful insomnia so now I'm sleeping a whole lot better. But there hasn't been a change since then...(so still 2-3 sweats that wake me up) and maybe it's greedy to expect even more improvement?
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Hi
I think you can take it while on hrt, there might be ladies on the site that do this, who will be able to say if they get additional benefit?
Assume you are taking a few measures like an evian spray by your bed, maybe a cool pillow- think they are called chillows?? Thin bedding etc ? Every little helps!
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Hi - re taking HRT and starflower oil: starflower oil has nothing to do with HRT biologically. It is not a hormone or a drug, but a health food supplement - simply borage seed oil containing high doses of fatty acids (GLA) and may have health benefits eg as an anti-inflammatory.
So absolutely - if you want to take it then no problems with mixing them.
I did take it for a few months (along with HRT) from recommendations on here but it did absolutely nothing for me!
Hurdity x
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Can't seem to find the Floresse starflower capsules any more - have they stopped making them?
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Holland and barrett do them
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Holland and barrett do them
Thank you, I will try there.
Would be nice if my boobs would go down a few cup sizes, I can't understand why so many young women want implants ???
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Ive been taking Boots starflower oil capsules 1000mg for about 2 months. I had no expectations, just thought I would try them. A surprising benefit has been vastly reduced headaches. Since starting HRT about 2 years ago I had been experiencing a lot of headaches, with the starflower oil they are much improved. Cant think its placebo because I had no thought that they would reduce my headaches.
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Well I ran out of them a few days before Xmas and what with everything going on I forgot to buy more. By Boxing Day I was back to 4-5 flushes a night lasting about 30 minutes each and getting no decent sleep at all (saving me a fortune on heating bills tho ;))
Got some more capsules Monday after Xmas and within a few days back to a couple of flushes a night lasting about 2-3 minutes and no trouble sleeping. It's DEFINITELY the starflower oil doing this for me. I'm taking 2,000mg a day and they are the H&B ones.
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Had you not considered HRT at anytime?
Or did your doc say no because your still younger?
For me I went through a lot of unnecessary hoops due to my peri.
My doc seemed to avoid the obvious :o
:-*
I haven't even been to see my doctor in the last 3 years. I figure if I can manage without I don't want HRT, after all menopause may be difficult at times but it's only natural. And TBH ANYTHING is better than my periods were so I'm not complaining! ;D
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There is evidence that the GLA in evening primrose oil helps some women with hot flushes, and starflower oil has contains more GLA then evening primrose oil.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/166937-benefits-from-taking-evening-primrose-oil-for-menopause/
It also has other health benefits too.
Most women get through the menopause without HRT and its lovely to hear on MM about women who have.
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Since starting this thread more than 4 months ago I thought I would update- I've genuinely only had 1 flush and maybe 3 incidents of feeling warm at night. I'm still taking starflower and occasional fish oil but nothing else except for healthy eating. ive just turned 52 and am still having periods , but scant and gaps getting longer so would assume this year they will stop. If it's not too much to hope I feel like I've turned a corner. I Can still be a bit foggy, still ache a bit but am emotionally clam and content and better than for last 2 years. For some reason I'm able to sleep most nights again ( maybe 2 nights of being awake till 2-3am and 5 nights of solid sleep) my husband says the old me is back again. I don't know if starflower does this, but I do know that I will continue taking it, I hope other users are having a similar good effect
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So glad it's worked for you. We all take fish oil supplements and I'm sure it's helped my teens, who are calmer (in a teen sort of way). I haven't tried Starflower but may well put it on my list.
GG x
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How regular are your periods Karin, as I did not really get flushes and sweats in earnest till my periods were much wider apart.
Not trying to pour water on the starflower results but as your still having periods your probably lucky that your body is still producing enough hormones at the moment.
Either that or the starflower has woken things back up :o ;)
Is it worth posting the before symptoms along with the now post starflower feelings ???
:-*
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Glad it worked for you Karin. Wish it had worked for me, I really wanted it to.
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Last summer I was having flushes every day, that was why I tried 3 months on HRT as work was becoming impossible, I was lying wide awake till dawn being both super hot and also completely unable to feel sleepy.
Did 3 months HRT and for me it wasn't right, I became overly emotional, confused and during progesterone phase, sweaty and unable to sleep.
Since stopping hrt I expected a lull for a couple of months then a full-on return, but 5 months on that hasn't happened.
I started starflower when I stopped HRT, prior to HRT I was having a period of sorts every 60 days or so , although they were different in their presentation, which I have read is what happens as you draw to the end of menstruation. so far this year I have had 2 periods
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How much starflower are you taking. I did try starflower but it made my ibs worse.. I do take efamol evening primrose oil which for some reason my body tolerates..it certainly helps
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I take starflower oil and it does not stop my flushes or anxiety. In fact I really dont know what it does, i got it originally for sore boobs and it seems to work for that, but thats all.
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It's really good for sore sore boobs. But if it works in place of HRT that's great too.
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All these products are trial and error. I take X1 Holland and Barrett capsule. Every day and I also have a vit b with iron supp. I can only say how they make me feel I can't confirm efficacy for anyone else. I just know that I havent had a hot flush since October, and that last summer I was having them daily. Maybe I'm coming to the end ? Maybe I havent properly stared meno!! Who knows! I just know that for now I'm going to continue. I feel better now that 12 months ago but I realise that might change at any time. For us all, it's worth trying safe options if we feel we can't cope, at worst they won't work . If it ceases to work I shall try something else.
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I started Holland & Barratt Starflower oil capsules yesterday (1000mg) and also sage leaf tablet (285 mg) and today have taken those in the morning and a black cohosh tablet this evening as I got them today (100 mg) - been getting desperate as flushes and night sweats have intensified. Wondering if safe to take all of these together? I have had some night sweats and a bit of flushing before, but it always stopped and went away again, I don't think it will this time - maybe getting further into all this now. I have had missed periods sporadically over last 3-4 years, had gone to 6 weeks between periods with a few 10 weeks apart then around the end of last year I went back to being 4 weeks on the dot. This time I am 2 weeks late, will be 53 at the end of this year.
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I just wondered how you are all getting on the starflower oil, do you feel its working? Are you all still taking it?
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I'm taking it still as I feel it helps a bit but alas not enough, so have Dr appt in a few weeks for hrt
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I've been on HRT 5 months and experienced very uncomfortable breast tenderness since starting it.
I added in Starflower 1000 ( health span )3 months ago which has resolved the breast tenderness. So I am very happy with it and will continue with Starflower and HRT. Im 48.