I was put on HRT after a full hysterectomy at the age of 49, and I was very happy on HRT until the doctors started pressurising me to come off it due to the new discoveries of the risks. I eventually decided to come off and did this really slowly over a period of about 18 months. I have had no HRT since February of this year, and have been suffering from skin problems and dreadful sweats, especially at night. The symptoms appear to be getting worse instead of easing off and I am now suffering so much at night that the lack of sleep is beginning to effect my life. I have tried black cohash, sage tablets and Menopace tablets. I have spoken to my doctor several times but they are at a loss to help me and I am at the end of my tether. I was wondering if there is any advice or suggestions you can make to help me?

A total hysterectomy plunges you straight into a full menopause and this in itself puts tremendous strain on the body's nervous system.

Taking HRT can often help to minimise this up to a point. However, when you then stop taking HRT this can lead to problems even if you do it slowly.

HRT basically fools the body into thinking that there are high levels of hormones, however, your own natural levels will be very low due to the hysterectomy. So, when you come off HRT, the hormone levels plunge again often giving many symptoms.

This again stresses the nervous system, and if your nervous system never fully recovered from the operation, then coming off HRT will stress it further leading to what is called Adrenal Fatigue. This gives rise to symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, hot flushes/night sweats, joint pain and many similar menopause-like symptoms.

Unfortunately, the medical profession doesn't often link Adrenal Fatigue to this and it is not considered to be of much importance. However, from a naturopathic point of view it could be the main cause.

An experienced Medical Herbalist, Nutritional Therapist, Naturopath or Acupuncturist would be well aware of Adrenal Fatigue and would be able to offer help so this avenue would be worth looking into.

In the meantime, I would suggest doing some adrenal support work such as taking a high magnesium supplement plus a high strength multivitamin.

Drinking liquorice tea daily can be of benefit, if you like it!

Rest and relaxation are vital so try to get 30 minutes of proper relaxation or meditation every day as this can reduce symptoms very quickly!  

Has your doctor tested you for low iron, low thyroid or low vitamin D as all of these can cause similar symptoms too. If not, it would be a good idea to ask to get tested just to rule them out.

Eileen Durward