medical vs. naturopath information - which one is correct?

I had uterus removed in 09 and ovaries removed three weeks ago due to recurring endometriomas. I am 44. My obgyn/surgeon told me yesterday at post op that my surgical menopause symptoms wont' get any worse than they are right now 3 weeks post op but my naturopath said the real symptoms may not show up for months. Due to my mom having had breast cancer I am trying not to do any hrt. I am taking a Wild Yam herbal combination by Standard Process and whole bunch of other supplements my naturopath gave me. I am overwhelmed by this website and all the info out there. I am hoping to get feedback on what I might expect, what to look out for. I feel confused about the info I'm getting. Thanks

Hello Lelalou, and welcome to the club Naturopathic and Traditional physicians always have different views on everything, I try to find the middle ground between the two. I had my surgery almost 3 years ago, and I am having worse hot flashes now than at 3 weeks post op. However, the other symptoms aren't as bad (moodiness, headaches, etc), so please don't be discouraged! I can't take HRT either (because of severe endometriosis), but have found relief in herbal supplements and vitamins. Talk to your Naturopath to find out which ones to try, I have good luck with Black Cohosh, found in most 'menopause' formulas at the health food store or drug store. It may take a while to find the right combo of herbs and vitamins, but I feel they really do help. Don't worry, in many ways you will feel much better, it just takes time. Hang in there!

Thank you so much for the encouragement... I had severe headaches in the middle of the night nearly nightly until last night --- I didn't realize that was part of the symptoms! When I go online to read info I get so overwhelmed and I'm normally very well informed and I am well educated -- seems like this is a whole new realm I never really heard about and I'm suddenly thrust into this... I appreciate the hope you share!

You are welcome My headaches were awful at first, but got better within a couple of months, I too was worried they would last forever! Acupuncture helped with my headaches AND the hot flashes, it might be something you want to think about trying. Again, hang in there- before you know it you will be feeling much better