Benefits of HRT 14 years after menopause?
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Hi I'm 54 and had an early menopause 14 years ago due to chemotherapy for breast cancer. I have since found out I have BRCA2 and have had double mastectomy and oophorectomy. Now that I have reduced my cancer risk through surgery I can consider taking HRT. Do you know if it Is likely to be of any great benefit so long after the start of my menopause? My typical symptoms are hot flushes, very poor sleep, lack of concentration and brain fog, muscle and joint aches and osteopoenia.
0 likes, 18 replies
anneporter claret59
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claret59 anneporter
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jayneejay claret59
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I cant say .... I am natural remedies only, HRT is not an option for me, do to family history of cancer, I have read that to start HRT after menopause is even more risky, but I am no Doctor, so take the Doctors advice...
dont think I would be wanting HRT with what you have been through sweetie..
wish you all the very best.. Jay.. x
Rattler7 claret59
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Chrisy claret59
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I think you are right and should talk to your consultant. None of us are qualified to give you such advice even if any of us have medical knowledge. Your consultant knows your full medical history. Most of your symptoms do seem to respond to proper levels of B vitamins in your diet or by supplement. As far as I can tell this wouldn't do you harm to try after discussing with your consultant if you feel you want to try this first.
Again I must agree with other comments that your are very plucky to have taken the surgical route. Good luck for the future.
claret59
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Thank you everyone for your replies and words of encouragement. I'll make an appointment with my consultant and discuss the issues with him.
Clare
sharon13184 claret59
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lps
danne claret59
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Good luck whatever you choose.
claret59
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Thanks again to everyone who responded.
anneporter claret59
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anneporter claret59
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claret59 anneporter
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Thanks Anne. I'll do some research into it all. Regards, Clare
jayneejay claret59
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here is some info about b vits benefits ... this may help...
here is one of two snippets... other i will send in a mo...
The vitamins that make up the B complex play a key role in maintaining health during the menopausal years. They are necessary for strong adrenal glands, a healthy nervous system and the conversion of carbohydrates into the glucose we need for energy.
Vitamin B, keeps the mucous membranes healthy, including those of the vagina. It is also an antioxidant, especially in collaboration with vitamin C. It helps alleviate memory loss, decreases sensitivity to noise, improves concentration, relieves depression and corrects loss of appetite. Good sources of Bx are whole cereals, beans, potatoes and nuts.
B2 is responsible for the release and activity of a variety of hormones, including estrogen. It also helps keep skin, nails and hair healthy. Good sources of B2 are milk and eggs.
B12 lifts depression, reduces anxiety, helps decrease mood swings and eliminates fatigue. Vegetarian sources containing significant amounts of B12 include several seaweeds such as arame, wakame and nori, as well as pickles, sauerkraut, tempeh, tamari, miso and B12-enriched soy products. Animal-derived sources include eggs, milk and fish. Food supplements rich in B12 are blue green algae, chlorella, barley green and spirulina.
B6 (pyridoxine) is a natural diuretic which is effective in reducing water retention. It is useful to reduce bloating that can appear before your period. It helps prevent depression and promotes calm moods and restful sleep. It also interacts with estrogen in the body. This vitamin is found in most foods and a deficiency is fairly rare, however hormone therapy can deplete the body's levels of B6 and decreased levels can lead to depression.
Niacin (vitamin B3) helps with the body's production of estrogen and other sex hormones. It reduces blood cholesterol, dilates blood vessels and is sometimes prescribed to prevent premenstrual headaches. It may improve insomnia, nervousness, confusion, anxiety, memory loss, irritability, apathy and depression.
If you're using B vitamins to help prevent hot flashes, be sure to use the form of niacin called niacinamide. Other forms of niacin dilate the blood vessels, which can cause flushing and worsen hot flashes, rather than relieve them.
Folic acid helps the body manufacture and use estrogen. It helps reduce forgetfulness, soothe irritability, correct insomnia and promotes the formation of healthy red blood cells, which is why a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to anemia. It may help prevent precancerous changes in the cervix. A deficiency of folic acid has been associated with depression. Sources of folic acid include green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans and peas.
Jay x
jayneejay claret59
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Everyone needs B-vitamins for good health. Without them we can suffer from a variety of serious ailments. For a woman going through perimenopause, B-vitamins can be essential for effectively managing symptoms.
Adrenal fatigue, for example, is a common secondary condition for many women going through perimenopause. B-vitamins support healthy adrenal function, along with calming and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Many women also suffer with mood swings during perimenopause. Both B12 and B6 vitamins aid in the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, a key brain chemical needed to stabilize moods and promote feelings of wellness and contentment.
For women who suffer with brain fog, and memory issues in perimenopause, low levels of B6 could be part of the problem. Depression, confusion, and an inability to concentrate are all associated with B6 deficiency. Vertigo, dizziness, and heart palpitations are also common complaints from women going through perimenopause. All of these symptoms have been associated with (among other things) a B12 deficiency. Vitamin B6 can also help with stubborn weight gain in perimenopause. It is key in the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in our diet, and is necessary for a healthy metabolism - both which can help manage weight.
Supplementing with vitamin B6 is also a good option during menopause and can provide more rapid relief than diet alone. To avoid an imbalance that can result when one vitamin becomes deficient, use a supplement that contains a full complement of all members of the B-complex family. Doses of 50 to 100 milligrams per day help promote general health and wellness. However, during the stress of menopause, your requirements for B6 may increase to as much as 300 milligrams per day, says Lieberman.
Jay xx
claret59 jayneejay
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Thank you so much for all that info. You're a star!
Clare
christina89 jayneejay
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Chris
jayneejay christina89
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in my peri experience ... of almost 9 years 😑 its actually B6 that needs boosting for peri and post meno... i doc gave me it years ago when i first had troubles but never said why ... so I used them and never replaced, never realised how good they were for this... also get a VIt B 12 blood test check that as it can diminish and you have no energy.... i also have shots of B12 .. ( the celebritys have them anyway ) new fad for them.. crazy....
Vit B 6 i restarted a few weeks ago and wow I have lost weight ( the peri muffin which was appearing) I am not over weight and dont want to lose anymore ... but it certainly helps, I also take vit B 1 ( thiamine) 300mg as that stops mozzys biting you ( i live in spain) and is good for you...
I take 150mg of B6 at moment, i split them that suits me for now... it breaks down certain things in body and assists in weight loss.... 😆
Jayx
christina89 jayneejay
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Chris x