Question:

I am 64years old.  I have been on HRT for 18 years. I have tried to stop taking the hormones, but the hot flashes come back. Sometimes, I even have them while I steadily take the hormones. I've been to three doctors and they all say that “about 20-percent of women have hot flashes forever and the only thing to do is to take the hormones." I've tried soy, herbs, but nothing is helping. Can you please direct me on where I can go for help? I want off of these hormones, but all three doctors keep me on them. 

Joyce Carpenter

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Answer:

We’re going to have to disappoint you, Joyce. We’re not going to offer advice that flies in the face of a unanimous opinion offered by three physicians who have examined you. But by all means, go to a fourth physician, express in the strongest terms possible your dislike of hormones, and demand that the doctor spell out other alternatives – even if s/he doesn’t recommend them! You should also look at your own lifestyle and recognize that changes to diet, activity level and use of recreational substances, such as smoking or drinking, might make a difference. Also, have you looked into finding a menopause support group in your area?