Breast cancer treatment and menopausal symptoms

Overview

Women naturally stop having regular periods usually between their mid-40s and mid-50s. The menopause, or change of life, happens because the ovaries stop producing the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

Some of the treatments for breast cancer, including chemotherapy| and hormonal therapy| , can affect the function of the ovaries or the level of hormones in the body. As a result, you may begin your menopause earlier than expected, or have menopausal symptoms due to the treatment itself.

The change in hormone levels can cause a number of symptoms. These can include:

• hot flushes and sweats
• vaginal dryness
• passing urine more often
• lower sex drive
• tiredness
• sleeplessness
• dry skin
• aches and pains
• mood swings
• poor concentration
• loss of confidence and memory.

Women may have one or more of these symptoms, which can range from mild to more severe. There are different ways of managing these symptoms| . Some women find complementary therapies| helpful.

Menopause, particularly if it occurs early in life, may cause other effects| on the body, such as thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) and heart disease. These effects develop at different rates in different people. Their tendency to develop is, at least partly, passed on from your parents (genetically determined).

Your feelings

Coping with menopausal symptoms after cancer treatment can often be very difficult. You may feel anxious| , angry, or frustrated that you are now having to cope with more symptoms. These are all normal reactions. Many women find it helpful to talk through their feelings with their doctor or nurse, or with friends and family members. You may also find it helps to talk things through with someone trained in such as a counsellor. We also have a list of support organisations and books| you might find helpful.