Using soy for hot flashes

I'm 51. I had my TAH BSO on April 11 and went back to work 4 weeks later. I can now do almost everything again. I'll take the vacuuming job back from my duaghter in a couple of weeks (I actually enjoy vacuuming). No hot flashes yet, I guess the soy is working.

Hmmmmm - have wondered about soy. Did you take it before your TAH? Can you compare it to HRT by personal experience? I ask because:

I thought I was pretty much into full menopause and weaned myself of HRT about 2 years before my giant tumor was discovered. I asked the oncological gynecologist surgeon if he thought going off HRT after 7 years on it had anything to do with the tumor. He doubted it. I still wonder, though. Anyway, thinking I was done with the majority of symptoms of menopause, I have been surprised to have hot flashes for the first time and more night sweats in 4 months than I had in the two years since I was off HRT! Not that it has been too awful - I made a pact with myself when perimenopause started that I would try to be AMUSED by the episodes of night sweats! It actually works most of the time!! (I had read that the degree of discomfort of menopause had a lot to do with how your own mother reacted to her menopause and thus your own attitude about it. I had a 'mentor' who encouraged the amused attitude - bless her heart!!!)

How are others dealing with menopause symptoms? If you are in your 50's or more, are you experiencing more symptoms since your surgery? I had both ovaries removed and thought they were done making estrogen, but maybe because I have new menopause symptoms they were pumping out a bit of estrogen after all!

I didn't start soy until I came out of the hospital, and it was the only thing I have ever tried, but it does work for me. I drink 3 large glasses of soy milk daily.

I am 5 weeks post op and started the hot flashes about 10 (?) days ago. What a pain!!. They wake me up and I find them bothersome. I will try the humor thing tho.

I am using Estroven, a natural remedy. It does help a lot. I was having some about 6 months ago, took that stuff for about 10 days and they stopped. I am going to try the soy milk now. Good idea!!

I just turned fifty and am taking a soy supplement (Estroven) along with flaxseed. The hotflashes have diminished in frequency and severity since I started this regimen. I can't wait until they're gone for good. Yes, the symptoms were MUCH worse after my surgery.

Margaret

I opted to "wait and see" on hormones after my TAH on April 29 since at 52 I was already experiencing menopausal symptoms although still getting my period sporadically. So far I have had a few light hot flashes/sweats, no real emotional swings (although my exposure to the general public has been limited hahaha) nor any other immediately evident issues. I have decided also to use soy or a soy supplement and flaxseed, and I appreciate the posts here regarding other people's experiences.