What are alternative ways to manage menopause symptoms after breast cancer? I am in menopause and taking Anastrozole and the night sweats and insomnia have gotten worse. My doctor put me on Effexor to help with the night sweats but it increases brain fog. I’m going to stop taking the Effexor and am looking for alternative solutions.
– Mary, Dallas, TX
Community comments
11Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.
Join the discussion
Share what worked for you — comments are reviewed before they appear.
Sophie5 years ago
Mary, I’m in the same boat. Breast cancer survivor with terrible night sweats. I’m not taking Effexor though. I’ve been putting ground flaxseed in my yogurt or oatmeal in the mornings and have seen a decrease in night sweats.
Mary5 years ago
Thank you
Kirsty5 years ago
Take the tablet in the morning. I’ve been on Effexor for years and have had no side effects.
SH5 years ago
I am in a similar position. Breast Cancer two years ago and I am now on Anastrozole. I am also taking Megestrol [also known as Megace] to help with the night sweats and hit flushes. I still have as many [which can be 7 or 8 a night] but they are much less intense and I no longer feel that my skin is burning up. I am not getting on very well with the Anastrozole and I do find the achy joints and brain fog hard going and I haven't found anything to help with those
Maria5 years ago
Mary I am in the same situation..I’m on Tamoxifen , suffering with horrendous hot flushes all through the night which means no sleep. I’m exhausted and anxious. Have no energy. Doctor has prescribed me Effexor but there must be another way round this. Feel like I’ve had so many drugs .. don’t want to take any more. Considering cbd oil but it seems there’s no research to confirm it’s safe is there?
Beth5 years ago
I’d be interested to know how people are coping with menopause after breast cancer. I’m taking tamoxifen and have discussed menopausal symptoms at the clinic but there was little offered to alleviate them. They don’t want me to take anything herbal or over the counter so I’m a bit stuck.
Kerrie5 years ago
Hi I also had breast cancer I was her 2 positive so not a hormonal cancer - protein fed cancer . I am not aloud to take any hormonal therapy’s - boy do I ache and sweat no periods for four months . Chemo has put me in early menapause. So not sure what I can take I am on flouoxetine for panic attacks . I’m thinking of coming off these though as my weight is blowing up . Any ideas Xx Kerrie
Lisa5 years ago
I'm in peri-menopause and was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I had my surgery last month (tumor was small) and am now facing possible chemo, then radiation, then hormone suppression drugs for 5-10 years because the cancer was very hormone positive. I was told to avoid any female hormones, so I know HRT won't be an option for me. I've had night sweats for about a year occasionally, but I haven't had them lately; though I do get heart palpitations really bad at night. I have anxiety and depression, so years ago I was on Effexor, and if you are going to stop taking it, don't just go cold turkey, ask how to slowly stop! I stopped it suddenly and had really terrible withdrawal (zapping sensations in my ears constantly for almost a year after!) I don't know what I'll do when the menopause symptoms get worse, but I'm going to look into natural remedies. I feel for you and you are not alone on this journey! I hope you can find something to help!
Kerrie5 years ago
You will be fine hun chemo is not like it was - just eep positive if you need to know anything give me a message xxx
Nicky5 years ago
My friend is in the same boat, her doctors have her on 3 tablets of A. Vogel Menoforce sage tablets for the night sweats
Erin5 years ago
I’m in the same boat, Mary. I passed on Effexor when my oncologist suggested it. Just not interested in yet another pill. I’m working with my acupuncturist on this and have started to see a reduction in frequency. Long way to go to consider it real relief but it’s a start. I’m also starting to work on dietary changes like cutting out alcohol, reducing caffeine and maybe dairy, really upping my fiber and leafy greens intake. Flax seed is supposed to help, as already mentioned here. I have nothing definitive to suggest, I’m only about four months into my own journey with anastrozole so I’m very much interested to hear what others are trying.