PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics No concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Prior hormonal therapy allowed At least 6 months since prior megestrol At least 1 week since prior nonestrogen containing steroid hormones (except tamoxifen) Concurrent tamoxifen allowed only if begun at least 4 months prior to study No other concurrent nonestrogen containing steroid hormones No concurrent estrogen or hormone replacement therapy Radiotherapy: Concurrent radiotherapy allowed Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Prior hysterectomy allowed No concurrent surgery Other: Concurrent nonhormonal prescription or nonprescription medications for hot flashes allowed (e.g., clonidine, ergotamine tartrate, vitamin E, or soy)