Menopause and Cancer

Although most women will go through their menopause naturally, certain treatments for cancer can trigger an early menopause. Going through an early menopause, as a result of cancer treatment, can be distressing, but there is support available.

Take a look at this little video where Anna Goldsmith, from Menopause and Cancer, explains some of the key challenges facing women, and how to access the support available.

What is Menopause?

Menopause: When a person has had no period for 12 consecutive months. Average age: 51. Normal range: 45–55.

Premature menopause: before 45.

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI): before 40.

Perimenopause: Transition period before menopause; may last up to 10 years.

Why Menopause After Cancer Is Different

Menopause can occur naturally or be triggered by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, pelvic radiotherapy, ovary removal surgery, or endocrine therapies like Tamoxifen.

Unique challenges:

• Sudden or crash menopause
• More severe symptoms
• Limited treatment options
• Long-term impacts on bone and heart health
• Often under-discussed or unsupportedKey Statistics

• 95% of women with cancer had no idea menopause would significantly impact them
• 77% received inadequate help managing symptoms
• 92% felt isolated in their experiences
• Almost half of oncology nurses do not provide menopause advice
• 186,000 UK women/year diagnosed with cancer; many experience menopause as a result
  

Common Symptoms

Physical: Hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, painful sex, recurrent UTIs, weight gain, fatigue, joint/muscle pain, hair thinning, dry skin, headaches, heart palpitations, dizziness, tinnitus.

Cognitive & Emotional: Brain fog, poor concentration, mood swings, anxiety, low mood, tearfulness, loss of confidence or libido.

Treatment & Management Options

Lifestyle & Self-Help: Exercise, balanced diet, avoiding triggers (coffee, alcohol, spicy foods), maintaining social support.

Non-Hormonal Prescriptions: Oxybutynin (hot flushes), SSRIs/SNRIs (low-dose antidepressants), Gabapentin/Pregabalin (for pain and anxiety).

Complementary Therapies: Acupuncture, CBT/CBT-I, yoga, mindfulness, talking therapies, herbal remedies (check interactions).

Hormonal Options: HRT for some post-cancer patients; Local vaginal oestrogen (safe for most).

Key Takeaways

• Menopause after cancer is common but under-recognized.
• Every woman’s experience is unique — treatment must be individualized.
• Holistic support matters — physical, emotional, and social wellbeing are equally important.
• Access to information empowers patients.
• The conversation must continue — survivorship includes menopause support.
  

Further Information

Menopause and Cancer, menopauseandcancer.org, provide a wealth of information including: workshops, 16-week menopause programme, Walk & Talks, annual retreats, podcast (Menopause and Cancer with Dani Binnington), book, CPD training.

Here are some useful factsheets:

Overview of menopause and cancer

https://themenopausecharity.org/information-and-support/living-with-other-conditions/menopause-and-cancer/

Information and support available

https://themenopausecharity.org/information-and-support/

Sympton checker

https://themenopausecharity.org/information-and-support/symptoms/menopause-symptom-checker/