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Can Angeliq Be Taken For Abdominal Bloating And Hot Flashes During Menopause?
Question: I have just started menopause. Very bloated and hot flashes really bad. I'm on cymbalta for depression. Mam died of ovarian cancer 2 years ago but no history of breast cancer. Off cigarettes 3 years ! I'm only 4 foot 8 and have gone from 7 and half stone to 8 and a half even though I watch my diet and exercise.
Concerned about side effects of angeliq. I'm 50. Just feeling a bit lost at the moment. Do you think this is the best medication or should I just put up with the symptoms. Thank you.
Concerned about side effects of angeliq. I'm 50. Just feeling a bit lost at the moment. Do you think this is the best medication or should I just put up with the symptoms. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Angeliq contains estrogen and you will need annual breast cancer screening
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
Angeliq is one type of combined (both estrogen and progesterone) hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There is no better treatment for hot flashes than estrogen, however there can be risks associated with HRT that you should be aware of.
HRT is associated with a mild increase in breast cancer rates noted after 5 years of use. However, these studies were conducted a long time ago, and many of the new formulas of HRT are at different doses than those included in the study. Women with a family history of breast cancer are urged to avoid hormonal treatment, however no studies have been performed specifically about ovarian cancer. In addition, medical problems like coronary heart disease, a history of stroke, or liver disease are contraindications to taking estrogen because it increases the risk of clotting in the body (very mildly, but still enough to be wary if you have any of these conditions.
There are non-hormonal treatments available for hot flashes as well. Black Cohosh is an herbal supplement that contains no hormones. There are also some antidepressants than in low doses have shown to improve menopause symptoms, but they may have interaction with the Cymbalta you already take.
So I do not think you need to worry about taking HRT but I always recommend annual mammography for women taking HRT. In terms of side-effects, if you do not menstruate anymore, you are unlikely to have side effects, but if you still get your period sometimes the most common side effect is spotting. Some experience breast tenderness or headaches as well. I want to emphasize that HRT will not help you lose weight. The most likely cause of your weight gain, (though it can be more difficult to lose weight after menopause) is your quitting smoking. Most smokers can see a weight gain of up to 10 percent of their body weight in the first year after quitting.
I suggest you discuss this information with your local GYN doctor to help determine the right plan for you.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful. If you need anything further, please do not hesitat to contact me.
Best wishes, Dr. Brown
Angeliq contains estrogen and you will need annual breast cancer screening
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
Angeliq is one type of combined (both estrogen and progesterone) hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There is no better treatment for hot flashes than estrogen, however there can be risks associated with HRT that you should be aware of.
HRT is associated with a mild increase in breast cancer rates noted after 5 years of use. However, these studies were conducted a long time ago, and many of the new formulas of HRT are at different doses than those included in the study. Women with a family history of breast cancer are urged to avoid hormonal treatment, however no studies have been performed specifically about ovarian cancer. In addition, medical problems like coronary heart disease, a history of stroke, or liver disease are contraindications to taking estrogen because it increases the risk of clotting in the body (very mildly, but still enough to be wary if you have any of these conditions.
There are non-hormonal treatments available for hot flashes as well. Black Cohosh is an herbal supplement that contains no hormones. There are also some antidepressants than in low doses have shown to improve menopause symptoms, but they may have interaction with the Cymbalta you already take.
So I do not think you need to worry about taking HRT but I always recommend annual mammography for women taking HRT. In terms of side-effects, if you do not menstruate anymore, you are unlikely to have side effects, but if you still get your period sometimes the most common side effect is spotting. Some experience breast tenderness or headaches as well. I want to emphasize that HRT will not help you lose weight. The most likely cause of your weight gain, (though it can be more difficult to lose weight after menopause) is your quitting smoking. Most smokers can see a weight gain of up to 10 percent of their body weight in the first year after quitting.
I suggest you discuss this information with your local GYN doctor to help determine the right plan for you.
I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful. If you need anything further, please do not hesitat to contact me.
Best wishes, Dr. Brown
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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