Where do I start?

Hi, I am about 4 months post op. I had a total hyst due to stage 1 uterine cancer. I did not start on any hrt and my doctor says that I could take a hrt but he wanted to wait and see if my symptoms lessoned. Well,,, I am having hot flashes that continue to get worse and I have mood swings (according to my bf). I have pcos, hypothyroidism, and I am taking Welbutrin to stop smoking. My doctor talked about Effexor... and Im about ready to try it. Anyone have any advice... I also am taking 400mg of vitamin e. Thanks I appreciate your suggestions..

Hi Bootie and welcome! I've moved your post over here to the No-Hormone Desert Oasis, which is a forum for ladies who cannot or choose not to use HRT. I know you said your DR said you can use HRT, but Effexor is not an HRT... it's often prescribed to help with hot flashes in women who have had cancer or have other conditions that mean that they cannot use estrogen.

I hope some of the ladies who have used Effexor will stop by and share their experiences. Let us know how it works for you, too, ok?

s,
-Linda

I'm not taking Effexor, but you can tell by my signature below how many HRTs I've attempted. My poor body really got a hormone workout!

My doc prescribed 20 mgs of Prozac and it has helped lessen the frequency and intensity of my hot flashes. Once in a while they wake me up still, but they are nothing like they were....I felt like a freaking flashing neon sign!!!

I was taking Vitamin E...ran out and have noticed that my vaginal area is much drier and much less comfortable so I need to get some more of that. I've also heard Remifemin (spelling???) works for some women. That's next on my list to try.

One thing to keep in mind is that HRT is SUPPOSED to be a temporary measure to help your body adjust to menopause more slowly. Lots of women stay on it for years, but I'm kind of glad my body wouldn't tollerate it because breast cancer runs on my father's side of the family, heart disease on both sides. I'd hate to take anything to increase my chances of having problems in those areas...the hot flashes will go their way one day and if I was taking hormones, I wouldn't know they had bid me goodbye!

Hope this helps!