No hormone help ...

I'm 47 yrs old. TAH with removal of ovaries and tubes on 2/23/05. I will not be taking hormones as I have DCIS and had a lumpectomy on 9/8/04 followed up with 32 radiation treatments and now take 20 mg of tamoxifen once a day.

Since the hysterectomy, I a experiencing night sweats, then chills and do not get a good nights' sleep. I see my gyno on 5 Apr for my 6-week check-up. She had suggested that if this keeps up she could prescribe an anti-depressant (Zoloft or Paxil) for the hot flashes. I'd prefer to do this without meds due to the breast cancer diagnosis and my taking Tamoxifen. Any suggestions on over the counter herbal supplements I could suggest to the doctor?

Thank you ...
RC

Most herbal supplements and OTC things for menopause contain some form of estrogen, which is what you are trying to avoid. That will interefere with your meds more than an antidepressant. ADs work well for many women with hormone imbalances. I've taken Celexa (an SSRI like Zoloft) for years for severe PMS, and it has made all the difference in my life. I had my TAH/BSO for endometriosis three weeks ago, and I also cannot take HRT. If I do get significant menopause symptoms, I am planning on treating them with antidepressants.