pre & post-op herbal hormonal support

I had LAVH 4/10/01, was out of the hospital in 24 hours and now I'm home and adjusting very well. I started on herbal supplements as well as some vitamin and mineral ones about 2 months before my total hysterectomy for endrometriosis, ovarian cysts and major fibroid buddies. I can't tell you how"normal"I feel and I believe the herbal support is the reason. If anyone is interested in info on alternatives to HRT, please email me.I've had no hot flashes, no mood swings and generally no problems. I wish that everyone could feel as good as I do.

Hello I just e-mailed you and then thought others might be interested in this book. Natural Alternatives to HRT Cookbook By Marilyn Glenville PHD. She is a leading Nutritional Therapist in the UK. I am glad you are doing so well. I am interested in alternative HRT. Thanks Donelle

Just remember there are many other reasons to take estrogen HRT than for just mood swings and hot flashes.
Make sure that what you are taking covers all of those. I'm taking Estrace which is an Rx and is derived from yams which is an excellent source. Sometimes the problem with alternative things is that one does not know the exact amounts to use. I am glad you found what you need. One also needs to be taking 1,500 mg of calcium with vitamin D if one is menopausal or without ovaries.

Just a reminder here: Please do NOT take any herbs before surgery unless you talk to your doctor first. Many of these herbs can cause excess bleeding or clotting if taken too close to your surgery date. It's also important to discuss any herbs you are taking or plan to take after surgery, as herbs can also interact with any medications you are taking.

I agree with Catherine: herbs and other natural medecines STILL are meds and should be treated as such. It is always a good idea to check with your doctor before taking ANY over the counter medecines, including natural meds.

As Catherine mentions, natural products, just the same as other OTC products, can interfere with meds we are prescribed pre-surgery, during surgery and post-op. More and more hospitals include a questionnaire about meds, natural or not, being taken pre-op and they make recommendations accordingly

Hi Mimi....so glad you are doing good. Yours was the day before mine but I had to stay 2 days.....but am doing good also. From the other systers' testimonies, I feel really fortunate at how fast I am healing.....mine was a TAB/SBO. I'm not sure if thats right......anyway , all is gone. Continue doing well and keep in touch. Bronwyn

I'm new to this site - just had surgery on 4/9. What is the LAVH you mentioned in your post? I can guess at the "VH" part, but what about the "LA" part? Also, I'm glad to hear you're doing so well. I feel the same way, but I had the advantage of 4 days/3 nights in the hospital. I am interested in the herbal supplements you use - but tell me if you still have your ovaries. I was taking some herbals prior to surgery, and my doctor told me to stop them 1 week prior to surgery. I haven't started them back yet, but I may now after reading your post. Thanks for the positive news!