treatment for menopause

[cathyd63]

Hi, I had a hysterectomy in October 2007 due to very heavy bleeding.   Prior to that, I was diagnosed with endometriosis and I have history of blood clots.   I have just started the menopause but because of my history, I cannot take HRT or anything with oestrogen in it.   Can anyone suggest anything I can take?

[PerimenoWorried]

Try doing some reading up on progesterone...especially, natural progesterone (made from natural mexican wild yams that mimic progesterone).  You can also speak to a pharmacist from a "compounding pharmacy" to see what there may be in terms of your history.  Better yet, speak to your doc about this idea.

I've also heard that Black Cohosh and a few other herbs from healthfood stores (NOT Red Clover as I believe but, could be wrong that it stirs up estrogen).  

Other than that, it's more along the lines of "clean living"...eating healthfully, exercise, rest more often if you're having trouble sleeping at night, wearing layers of clothing (for hot flushes), a good vitamin regiment with lots of B vitamins, D, Calcium etc..  

My family doc has often said, "This is a process...not a disease." :)

[PerimenoWorried]

By the way, you haven't mentioned what symptoms you're having that you want to deal with?  If it's vaginal dryness....there's also lots of lubricants with no hormones over the counter.  Talk to a pharmacist/healthfood store owner because they often have lots of great suggestions if you want to completely stay away from the hormone route.