His and Her Health

I am new to this...had my ovaries removed due to brca1 gene risk. I'm nearly 45 but feel like i'm doomed to becoming a little old lady. Started an exercise regime and seeing an endocrinologist who specializes in menopause. She's starting me on massive Vit D to offset the calcium i am excreting. (did a 24 hr urine collection and loads of blood work) My eyes are sore. The hot flashes are terrible, I'm an insomniac from childhood, scoliosis is playing havoc on my lower back, and i'm hyperthyroid, which apparently is not good either. Any suggestions on how to cope? I can't take estrogen because of the gene. that's why we took those darn ovaries in the first place.

thanks!

There are many informative articles on menopause at our companion website at www.redhotmamas.org

Thank you for logging onto our board. I definitely can relate as I had my hysterectomy at age 40 and also had Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism). There are a few things you can do like watch what you eat. Avoid things that have caffeine as they will increase your body temperature and cause palpitations. Avoid spicy foods and alcohol as they will kick off hot flashes. Learn to stay calm, relax especially when you feel a hot flash coming on. Dress in layers and avoid wearing fabrics like acrylics which will cause you to overheat. And if you smoke, quit, as smoking heightens hot flashes. And, of course exercise. Women who exercise have less hot flashes than those who don't. It also raises endorphins which will make you feel good. Keep a package of moist towlettes at hand to cool you down. Engage in activities which are relaxing - yoga and massage are great to relieve any stress you might be feeling. And discuss with your doctor alternatives and other prescribed medications which may help. I also suggest you log onto our website for more information www.redhotmamas.org and/or the North American Menopause Society's website www.menopause.org.