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[Wanda68]

Hi everyone. I'm new to the site and so far have found it comforting to know there is somewhere to go to for info. The site was actually recommended by my GP. I have the long list of all things menopause, but can't have hrt due to having had endometriosis. Herbal/alternative medication causes migraines. GP prescribed venlafaxine (an anti-depressant which can help with symptoms), but it made me feel awful. I am left with the diet & exercise option, so any advice would be most welcome. I have heard soya milk is helpful, but so far have been reluctant to try it. Has anyone else tried it?

[Cazikins]

  to the forum Wanda68.

You've come to the right place & will get lots of support & understanding on here.

There is a section dedicated to Alternative Therapies here : https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/board,17.0.html
which you may find helpful.

Cazikins x

[Salad]

Hi Wanda68

My GP told me about this site too - word must be getting around 

I didn't plan on using HRT but my symptoms made life a misery. Before using Oestrogen I did have some success with Black Cohosh. This can affect your liver so you need to be monitored, which my GP was happy to do.
Hopefully other people will pop along with suggestions
 

[Annie0710]

Hi Wanda.

I assumed you could still have hrt if you had endometriosis.  Do you still have your uterus ?

[Wanda68]

Thanks everyone.
Endo was in my bowel, so still have my uterus. GP advised that HRT can cause it to return. I didn't actually start suffering from it until after I had taken HRT. Thankfully I have been pain free since the op. I have been keeping track of my symptoms and they get worse just before and during my period, especially the insomnia and flushes. I have tried black cohosh, st john's wart, evening primrose and a variety of other herbals, unfortunately they caused my migraines to get worse. 
Dr has suggested soya milk, it's worth a try.

[Hurdity]

Hi Wanda68

  from me too.

As Annie0710 says - HRT is not a contra-indication to HRT unless your specialists has speficially advised against it in your case.

This is what it says on this site:

There is a small risk of reactivation of endometriosis with HRT use and any recurrence of symptoms should be reported. If a hysterectomy has been performed for endometriosis, the choice of HRT use thereafter should be influenced by the extent of endometriosis at the time of the operation. Since hysterectomy often causes a premature menopause, it is often advised to take HRT until the average age of the menopause; 51 years. HRT after hysterectomy usually consists of estrogen only. However, in the presence of endometriosis, estrogen may cause stimulation of residual deposits and consideration should be given to using continuous combined (estrogen plus daily progestogen) therapy, or tibolone, though little research has been done on the effect of different types and duration of therapy. Medical treatment of endometriosis often involves ovarian suppression which, along with ovarian removal, may increase the risk of osteoporosis.

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/atoz.php#GlossE

I can understand you might be concerned but perhaps you might want to revisit this? What HRT were you using and how old are you?  How often are your periods now and have you skipped any/many - would give an indication of where you are in menopause? Might be worth asking for a referral to a menopause clinic to get an expert opinion?

Unfortunately soya milk won't really do anything - all the soy and similar herbal treatments contain phytooestrogens which are weak oestrogens and have variable effects but only HRT really works - and certain anti-depressants and low doses of nerve pain drugs like amitryptiline (sp?) or blood pressure drugs - for those who are unable to take HRT for medical reasons.

Hurdity x

[Otes73]

Hi there,

I would ask for a referral to an Endometriosis specialist.

 I have extensive Endo and take HRT. You would have to take a continuous progesterone as this helps any further endometriosis forming.

Unless there's other contraindications that you have HRT can still be used carefully with endometriosis.

Xx