Supplements or natural remedies for hot flashes?

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inLA
inLA Member Posts: 20
edited June 2014 in Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment

Due to chemo, I am in temporary menopause and am experiencing intense hot flashes. Does anyone have experience with any holistic remedies or support for this side effect? My oncologist was telling me that some people go on low doses of anti-depressants (like Paxil) or an anti-seizure medication but that doesn't feel right for my body. Any input would be appreciated.

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  • inLA
    inLA Member Posts: 20
    edited December 2011

    Woops. Somehow I deleted my original post. I have had hot flashes since chemo and am about to start on Tamoxifen. It would be nice to get these flashes under control before hormone therapy and I would really like to find a natural remedy rather than go on a low dose anti-depressant or anti-seizure drug. If anyone has any success stories with herbs or supplements or even food, I would love to hear. Thanks.

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  • inLA
    inLA Member Posts: 20
    edited December 2011

    Flash update

    Flax oil (1,00mg daily) - I have been taking this for about a week and this has helped a great deal. My hot flashes are now minimal - both the amounts and the intensity - whereas before I was getting drenched multiple times a day. I no longer feel handicapped by them. Hopefully the flax will continue to help once I start on the Tamoxifen. Will post an update then. In the meantime, if anyone has any other experiences with things that have worked or not worked, please do weigh in.

    Also as an aside, I did try chewing on crystallized ginger for a while because someone at my oncologist's office recommended it. It only minimally helped with the intensity of the hot flash if I chewed it during an episode. Otherwise, it didn't seem to work for me. 

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