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Supplements for menopause symptoms?

Page last modified on: October 14, 2008
Question from Brenda-2: What supplements do you recommend for menopause symptoms? Arimidex is really giving me a hard time with hot flashes, vaginal dryness, etc. What do you think about Revival Soy Protein shakes? They contain 160 mg of soy isoflavones. Or something else?
Answer —Beth DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.: For women having menopausal symptoms, Effexor can be effective in treating the hot flashes. Also, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating hot flashes. In a controlled trial, 85% of women who received acupuncture who had been treated for breast cancer and were on an anti-estrogen medication had significant relief of their hot flashes. As for vaginal dryness, there are over-the-counter personal lubricants such as Astroglide that can help with the day-to-day soreness that comes as a side effect of the anti-estrogen. A decision as to whether or not the vaginal dryness is severe enough to warrant topical or localized estrogen therapy to the vagina is something you should discuss specifically with your breast surgeon, oncologist, and gynecologist.

On Wednesday, July 18, 2007, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Vitamins and Herbal Supplements. Gary Deng, M.D., Ph.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about how to safely and sensibly incorporate vitamins and supplements into your diet.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Gary Deng, M.D., Ph.D. is an internist and researcher with the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He is a principal investigator or co-principal investigator in several NIH-funded research projects in the Integrative Medicine Service.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon. Her clinical practice is located at Holy Redeemer Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center.

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