RATIONALE: S-adenosyl-L-methionine may help relieve hot flashes in women based upon its
ability to potentially modulate serotonin.
PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying the side effects and how well
s-adenosyl-L-methionine works in treating hot flashes in women with a history of breast
cancer or those who do not wish to take estrogen due to a perceived increased risk of breast
cancer.