OT: HRT and hot flashes

Ladies I need advice. Its that time of year again for the YEARLY exam. I am perimenopausal and have hot flashes and night sweats TERRIBLE. I know its hard to beleive but I also have MOOD SWINGS! Should I talk to the gynnie about hormone replacement therapy, I don't know alot about it, but do know it can relieve the symptoms. Is there something homeopathic or otc I can take instead? I am 43 and my periods are few and far between. Its making me bonkers. Not to mention what poor DH puts up with! Any help is greatly appreiciated. Thank you in advance! Rhonda 312/165/155?

Googled and saw this... http://www.homeopathy-soh.org/about-homeopathy/what-is-homeopathy/the-menopause.aspx http://www.ehow.com/how_12668_learn-about-alternatives.html http://www.womenshealthlondon.org.uk/leaflets/hrt/hrtalternatives.html http://www.medic8.com/healthguide/articles/hrt.html Just off hand I have remembered reading about .. DHEA Loss in Postmenopausal Women Googled and found this... http://www.dhea.com/dheameno.htm http://www.wellnessmd.com/menopause.html http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/465827?mpid=22643 http://www.cwhn.ca/resources/afi/n-hormones.html But, this may be old (2003) information... and new stuff may contradict... so like the first link read... ask your doc.

I tried Homeopathic remedies to no avail. I then saw a doctor who specializes in bio-identical hormone replacement. I feel terrific! Now this is MY opinion so I am not looking to debate with those who have a different view. There had been no studies as to if bio-identicals carry the same risk as regular HRT, but I just feel better not taking a synthetic hormone. Everything in my life improved with a week. My sleeping, my mood even the look of my skin and my energy leve. It is really important to a regular blood work done as the levels can fluctuate from one day to the next. I take my bio's sublingual and get them through a mail order pharmacy. They are by prescription, and as I mentioned earlier I see a doctor who specializes in this particular treatment. Best thing I have done for myself since the surgery. Good luck.