MENOPAUSE AND BREAST CANCER: SYMPTOMS, SIDE EFFECTS & MANAGING TREATMENT-INDUCED MENOPAUSE
Learn how breast cancer treatment can cause menopause, the common symptoms and side effects, and practical ways to manage treatment-induced menopause.
Why are treatment-induced menopause symptoms often more severe?
Many women find that treatment-induced menopause feels more intense than natural menopause. That’s because natural menopause usually develops gradually over several years, giving the body time to adjust to slowly changing hormone levels.
In contrast, breast cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, ovarian suppression, surgery to remove the ovaries or radiation to the ovaries can cause hormone levels to fall rapidly. This sudden drop in oestrogen can trigger menopause symptoms that are more noticeable or severe.
Women who stop hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after a breast cancer diagnosis may also experience a sudden return of menopause symptoms because the body is no longer receiving replacement hormones.
The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. The good news is that many menopause symptoms improve over time, and a range of treatments and supportive care options are available to help manage them.
Managing menopause symptoms after breast cancer
Although menopause symptoms after breast cancer can be challenging, there are many ways to manage them. The best approach will depend on your symptoms, the treatment you’ve received and your individual circumstances. Talk to your treatment team before trying new treatments or supplements, as some may not be suitable during or after breast cancer treatment.
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Lifestyle changes
Simple lifestyle changes may help reduce the impact of menopause symptoms. You may find it helpful to:
- wear lightweight clothing and dress in layers if you’re experiencing hot flushes
- keep your bedroom cool to help manage night sweats
- identify and avoid triggers of hot flushes, such as spicy foods, alcohol or caffeine
- maintain a healthy weight
- avoid smoking.
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Exercise
Regular exercise can improve fatigue, sleep, mood, bone health and joint stiffness. Aim to include a combination of aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises, and speak with your healthcare team about the most appropriate activities for you.
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Healthy eating
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and lean protein supports your overall health. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are particularly important for maintaining bone health after menopause.
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Vaginal moisturisers and lubricants
Non-hormonal vaginal moisturisers and lubricants may help relieve vaginal dryness and make sex more comfortable. If symptoms persist, speak with your healthcare team about other treatment options.
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Non-hormonal medicines
Several non-hormonal medicines can help manage symptoms such as hot flushes. These include a class of medications called NK3 receptor antagonists such as fezolinetant, as well as epilepsy treatments and antidepressants. Your healthcare team can discuss which options may be suitable for you.
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Psychological support
Menopause can affect emotional wellbeing as well as physical health. If you’re finding it difficult to cope, consider speaking with your GP, psychologist or another member of your healthcare team. Counselling and peer support can also help.
Looking after your health after menopause
Whether menopause occurs naturally or as a result of breast cancer treatment, looking after your long-term health is important.
Bone health
Lower oestrogen levels can increase the risk of osteoporosis, making bones weaker and more likely to fracture. This is particularly important for women who experience early menopause or are taking aromatase inhibitors.
Your healthcare team may recommend:
- bone density (DEXA) scans
- regular weight-bearing and resistance exercise
- adequate calcium and vitamin D
- medication to strengthen bones if required.
Heart health
Lower oestrogen levels after menopause contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease over time. After menopause, the risk of cardiovascular disease gradually increases.
Simple lifestyle habits such as staying physically active, maintaining a healthy diet, not smoking and attending regular health checks can help reduce your risk.
Watch one of our Q&A topics where we discuss heart health or listen to our podcast episode here.
Follow-up care
Continue attending your scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare team, including your GP. These visits allow your doctors to monitor your recovery, manage any ongoing side effects and discuss any new symptoms or concerns.
If menopause symptoms are affecting your quality of life, don’t assume they’re something you simply have to live with. Many effective treatments and supportive care options are available.
Join our free Menopause and Breast Cancer Q&A
Have questions about menopause during or after breast cancer treatment?
Join our free online Menopause and Breast Cancer Q&A, where leading breast cancer specialists and women with lived experience will answer common questions about treatment-induced menopause, managing symptoms, HRT and the latest in research.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is treatment-induced menopause?
Treatment-induced menopause occurs when breast cancer treatment causes the ovaries to stop producing oestrogen, either temporarily or permanently. It can occur after chemotherapy, ovarian suppression or surgery (or less commonly radiotherapy) to remove the ovaries. Some hormone therapies may also cause menopause-like symptoms without causing menopause itself.
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Can breast cancer treatment cause menopause?
Yes. Some breast cancer treatments can cause menopause, while others may trigger menopause-like symptoms by reducing or blocking the effects of oestrogen in the body. Whether menopause is temporary or permanent depends on factors such as your age, the type of treatment you receive and how your ovaries respond to treatment.
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Is treatment-induced menopause permanent?
Not always. Some women experience temporary menopause during treatment, while others experience permanent menopause. This depends on factors including your age, the treatment you receive and how your ovaries respond. Your healthcare team can discuss what you might expect based on your individual circumstances.
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Information Sources
- https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/breast-cancer/living-breast-cancer/managing-physical-changes-due-breast-cancer
- https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=4a67e732-c8dc-4882-91f5-4b85e9c5a471
- https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/breast-cancer/treatment-options/hormonal-therapies
- https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/breast-cancer/living-breast-cancer/managing-physical-changes-due-breast-cancer
- https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/clinical-practice-guidelines/management-menopausal-symptoms-women-history-breast-cancer
- https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/side-effects/a-to-z-of-side-effects/menopausal-side-effects/”https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/side-effects/a-to-z-of-side-effects/menopausal-side-effects/
- https://wwwnsw.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/cancer-support/breast-cancer/patient-resources/menopause-after-breast-cancer
