- Menopause refers to a woman's final menstrual period.
- Treatment for breast cancer may cause you to become menopausal. The menopause may be temporary or permanent.
- If you have not reached menopause when you are diagnosed with breast cancer, treatment may affect your ability to have children. It is important to discuss with your doctor your plans for having children before you start treatment.
- Most symptoms of early menopause can be managed with appropriate care.
Breast cancer and menopause
About two-thirds of women who are younger than 50 when their breast cancer is diagnosed will go through menopause because of their treatment. Menopausal symptoms are a common side effect of hormonal therapies and some chemotherapy drugs. Sometimes the menopause is temporary and sometimes it is permanent. The closer you are to the age of natural menopause, the more likely it is that the menopause will be permanent.
Regardless of whether menopause is temporary or permanent, you may experience menopausal symptoms during treatment. Some women who have already gone through menopause also experience menopausal symptoms with certain treatments. For example, drugs such as tamoxifen, and aromatase inhibitors — anastrozole (Arimidex®), letrozole (Femara®) and exemestane (Aromasin®) — can cause symptoms such as hot flushes. These symptoms usually stop once treatment finishes.
Younger women and menopause
Menopause can be a challenge at any age. When it occurs earlier than expected, it can be particularly distressing. Younger women may face particular difficulties because of their stage of life. While some women feel sad at this time, others feel that they get a new lease of life. They may enjoy having no periods and may feel more confident as a result.
National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre has developed a booklet about
menopause for younger women with breast cancer.
This booklet provides information about early and premature menopause and its symptoms. It also discusses the emotional impact of menopause in younger women and offers some practical suggestions for managing these stresses.
To view the resource click here.
To order a copy click here or call 1800 624 873.
