My sister/Treating Menopause Symptoms

I need suggestions regarding menopause.

A few months ago, my sister had a hysterectomy and both ovaries removed due to a large cyst. She was obviously catapulted into menopause. Her GYN wanted to put her on HRT and told her to drink and eat soy.

The problem: My sister has Discoid Lupus and Raynauds. Also, a few years ago, she sent me copies of her blood work and she has antibodies that are common to Scleraderma. I never told her what those antibodies meant because I knew she would freak out; she lives with constant anxiety as it is and I didn't want to scare her since it may never happen. Since Raynauds can be a first symptom, I am doing the worrying for her.

She saw her Rheumatologist yesterday and the doctor said "No HRT" due to "something that was in her blood work". That's all I got from my sister because she doesn't ask questions. I believe that soy is just as potentially harmful and I told her months ago not to eat or drink soy and backed it up with several reputable articles.

Fast forward to yesterday: I got an e-mail from her and she said she is still drinking her soy milk every day. I told her again, please do not drink soy milk. She asked how she would get soy into her body if she cannot eat or drink it. My head spun around a few times and I said, "HUH"? You don't!

Is there a better way to ward off osteoporosis and hot flashes? That is what she is worried about. Valid, but she could end up with bigger problems with the soy.

I am tired of doctors who only worry about treating their end of it without considering other health problems of the patient.

Weight bearing exercise as in walking is the best way of preventing osteoporosis. I do a fair bit of walking as I don't have a car and so far so good.

Lachesis is fantastic homeopathic for hot flashes. I have a friend that has taken it in low potencies (6x, 12x) as needed. Weight bearing like Ann said and she can add cal/mags as well.

I'll let her know. She definitely has soy brain and can't let go of it.

Encourage her to try coconut milk. Both So Delicious and Silk make a coconut milk in half gallons. It's a great source of healthy fats (tell her it'll protect her heart ) and so much healthier then soy! :sick:

Sandi,
I am currently going through menopause as well, I had fibroid embolization surgery late last year and this bought on menopause. I find that if you keep as cool as possible and deep breathing helps with the hot flushes. I can understand her frustration with hot flushes, it does make you feel very uncomfortable. My Dr also offered HRT but I decided against it.
I am also going to look into Patti's suggestion, so thanks Patti.

I had my hysterectomy in /04 and never did hit menopause. But nothing was ever offered to me in case the hot flashes started.

Good luck to your sister, Sandi!

I'm starting too but other than hot flashes and sweating, it's not been a big problem or anything I can't live with. I am thankful for air conditioning!

I have been having ITP for eight years and was not on any medication for that.
About a year back I developed a fibroid in the uterus due to which I had heavy prolonged bleeding with clots. I was prescribed norethisterone, a progesterone cyclically . I was on it for seven months and two months back when I stopped the pill, the bleeding has stopped. ( I am 52 years old). Must be menopausal.

Normally, my platelet counts used to be 45,000. But when I was taking the progesterone pill, the counts were 70,000.

I have read that progesterone is a steroid hormone and is anti-inflammatory and have also read about natural progesterone as post-menopausal hrt.

SO , I was wondering if it is better to go on hrt than on prednisone which has serious side effects.

Any views on this?

Vega