Herbs and HRT

I can't seem to find a good answer to this question anywhere, so I'll ask here. My well educated HysterSisters always have some insight!

I have been taking an herbal supplement called Transitions for several years. It contains Black Cohosh, dong quai, and several other herbs. Apparently my gyno is going to start me on Climara today, as now the hot flashes, night sweats, etc. are out of control for me.

My question....do I need to stop taking the herbal supplement when I start the Climara? The gyno is apparently just calling the Climara rx in without seeing me in the office, so I can't ask him yet. Don't want to mess myself up any further than mother nature already has!

If the herbs aren't working, maybe its time to stop them for that reason? I don't think it matters, but I think if you stop you should do it before the patch, or after you feel stabilized on it, so you can tell wHat is causing any changes you might notice. I've done well with my Climara patch, and I noticed an improvement by the 3d day for sure, although I was told it could take weeks in some cases, if that helps. I hope you get some relief.

Good idea....hadn't thought of that. I need to be able to see how my body responds to the Climara on it's own. I took my Transitions herbal supplement this morning, and am supposed to get a call from the doc today about the Climara being called in. As soon as I get it I'll stop the herbal stuff, which I think helps a little, but not enough. Thanks for the reply!