natural hormone replacement

I had a radical hysterectomy followed by chemotherapy for ovarian cancer in '07.  I have had a terrible time losing weight,  I cry easily, I have hot flashes, and insomnia.  I cannot take HRT due to my cancer and family history of breast cancer.  

Are there any natural products I can use to help any of these symptoms?  Will soy milk be of any help or am I putting myself at risk of breast cancer.


This discussion is related to Soy and ovarian cancer.

[Ramsay14]

Soy has plant estrogens.  If your cancer is estrogen sensitive I would be very careful about using any product with "isolated soy protein."  

[westajul]

I used folic acid and black cohosh for my symptoms. I really only had hot flashes and night sweats and using folic acid and black cohosh seemed to lessen the frequency and severity for me. This combination doesn't work for everybody. Check with your doctor before taking these supplements because they can intefer with some prescription medicines...especially for thyroid problems. Julie

[nyc lady]

I was told that I could NOT take over the counter supplements for menopausal symptoms.  They believe that my masses were estrogen receptive...that means no soy, no black cohash, etc as they all "mimic" estrogen.

Good luck,
Pam

[Kathleen78]

I would let your oncologist know about the severity of your postmenopausal symptoms.  I know that there are some types of anti-depressants that can relieve some of the symptoms and that sleeping pills can also help as well.  I am also going through 'surgical' menopause and it can be tough at times!

Kathy