Question about relieving menopause symptoms without using HRT

I am scheduled for TAH next Wednesday. I am considered high risk for breast cancer so my doctor does not want me to have estrogen post-op and I am concerned with postmenopausal symptoms following the surgery. Has anyone else had this problem and any suggestions on what to do to relieve symptoms without using soy or estrogen? Thanks in advance.

Linda, I have not been on any type of hormones and it was really bad in the begining. My dr put me on effexor to help. It is an anti depressant and helps with the hot flashes. It doesn't take them away it reduces them. Worked great for me and I really do not want to do any HRT if possible.

Hi lindalizbeth and

We're happy you joined the Hystersisters community! There is a ton of solid information on the site, and the members have unlimited cyber-hugs to dispense to you at every stage of your journey to good health!

Are you keeping your ovaries? I checked your Profile, and it doesn't say. The reason I ask is...if you are keeping your ovaries then you should not experience any surgical menopause symptoms, except perhaps on a temporary basis.

If you are having your ovaries removed, you would go into surgical menopause. There is a specialty forum here on the site, No Hormone Oasis for Menopause Management , designed for members who cannot, or choose not to use hormone replacement therapy. So, if you are having your ovaries removed along with your hysterectomy, you might want to check out that forum and post any relevant concerns there.

Many s and Best Wishes,

Thanks for the advice. Yes, I am having my ovaries removed. On the Effexor, did it cause you to gain weight? My gynecologist has mentioned this drug, but I have heard it causes weight gain. I may try it either way, but was wondering if you noticed.

No I didn't gain any weight at all. The dr put me at first on a lower dose for the first week then went to a higher dose. I told my surgeon that my pcp dr put me on it for the hot flashes and he was very surprised and also glad. He also proceeded to tell me about the lower does then increasing to the higher. I told him that is exactly what I had done. He approved. I am glad that I did it. I am not one for taking meds like anti depressants but I couldn't stand it any more. My hot flashes were so intense and unbearable. I had at least 30 or more in one hour. I am 52 and had not even begun to experience menopause symptoms or hot flashes at the time of my hysterectomy. Good luck just do your research.