Alternative treatments: WHAT WORKS, WHAT DOESN’T?
❖ NICE RECOMMENDS Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, as there is good evidence to show that it can help relieve low mood and anxiety as well as helping with hot flushes. ❖ IF DRYNESS AND IRRITATION affect your sex life, use an over-the-counter lubricant or talk to your doctor about an oestrogen cream, tablet or ring that will only affect the immediate area and so is safe for women with breast cancer. ❖ HERBAL HELP works for some, but ideally consult a registered medical herbalist for treatment. If you are buying over the counter, always check for the THR logo – this shows that the products are high quality and the correct dosage. Always check for drug interactions and read the product information carefully. ❖ AGNUS CASTUS helps balance hormones and can help to ease tension and mood swings during perimenopause. ❖ ST JOHN’S WORT can help relieve hot flushes, although there’s no evidence that it can reduce anxiety. It interacts with tamoxifen and some other drugs, so can’t be taken by women with breast cancer, but has been shown to be helpful with mild to moderate depression and may also help boost libido. ❖ EVENING PRIMROSE OIL contains Gamma Linoleic Acid, which may help with breast pain and mood swings. Aim for 240mg daily for at least two months for maximum effect and then reduce as required. ❖ RED CLOVER AND GENISTEIN contain isoflavones, and there is some evidence that they may help to alleviate hot flushes and night sweats. They’re not recommended for women with a history of breast cancer. ❖ BLACK COHOSH may help with hot flushes, although it doesn’t help with low mood or anxiety and can interact with other medicines – again, it’s not suitable for women who’ve had breast cancer.