Induced menopause may result from premenopausal bilateral oophorectomy or from cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation. Premature menopause from these causes has increased over time because of the improved success in the treatment of cancer in children, adolescents, and reproductive-age women.
What is menopause hormone therapy?
Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is a treatment that doctors may recommend to relieve common symptoms of menopause and to address long-term biological changes, such as bone loss, that result from declining levels of the natural hormones estrogen and progesterone in a woman’s body during and after the completion of menopause.
Can cancer treatments cause early menopause?
Some cancer treatments can cause an early or temporary menopause, or side effects similar to menopausal symptoms. There are different ways of managing and reducing menopausal symptoms. What are the symptoms of menopause? Some cancer treatments can affect the way the ovaries work. This can cause an early menopause for some women.
Can breast cancer cause menopause symptoms?
This can happen naturally as women get older, but it can also be caused by some breast cancer treatments. Some pre-menopausal women have menopause symptoms as a result of chemotherapy or from hormone therapy drugs used to treat breast cancer (such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors).
Can women who are past menopause take PHT after breast cancer?
Women who are past menopause might also get symptoms if they had to stop taking PHT when they were diagnosed with breast cancer. Can I take menopausal hormone therapy after breast cancer?
Can cancer treatment bring on menopause?
Some cancer treatments can affect the way the ovaries work. This can cause an early menopause for some women. Before menopause, the ovaries produce the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. These control a woman's monthly cycle (periods).
How long does chemo induced menopause last?
“Chemotherapy basically puts the ovaries to sleep,” Karuturi says. The ovaries stop processing the eggs, the woman stops having a period and she goes into temporary menopause. In most cases, menstruation returns naturally eight months to two years after chemotherapy stops.
Can chemo cause permanent menopause?
Studies have found that anywhere from 0-40% of women under age 40 go into permanent menopause as a result of chemotherapy, while 70-90% of women over 40 do. In the case of CMF in particular, about half of premenopausal women stop their periods while on it.
Which chemo drugs cause menopause?
Depression and anxiety related to menopause may also cause sleeplessness. Hot flashes and vaginal dryness are more likely with chemotherapy, tamoxifen, and certain other medicines. These include anastrozole (Arimidex), exemestane (Aromasin), and letrozole (Femara). Menopause is also linked with osteoporosis.
What does chemical menopause feel like?
Most commonly these may include hot flushes, reduced sex drive, headaches, mood changes including depression, vaginal dryness and change in breast size.
Can induced menopause be reversed?
There is no treatment that can reverse or prevent premature menopause. Hormone therapy and other treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms of premature menopause.
What is medically induced menopause?
Induced menopause refers to menstrual periods that stop after surgical removal of the ovaries, chemotherapy or radiation damage to the ovaries, or from the use of other medications to intentionally induce menopause as part of the treatment of certain diseases.
How long does medical menopause last?
Menopause symptoms last an average of 4.5 years , following a person's last period, and 7.4 years in total, according to a study published in JAMA. The study suggests healthcare professionals advise people to expect a 7-year duration for their symptoms.
Does surgical menopause last forever?
This is known as a surgical menopause. If a hysterectomy leaves 1 or both of your ovaries intact, there's a chance that you'll experience the menopause within 5 years of having the operation. Although your hormone levels decrease after the menopause, your ovaries continue producing testosterone for up to 20 years.
How do I stop night sweats from chemo?
What do cancer survivors do to avoid night sweats?Consider replacing your standard bed pillows with a cool gel alternative. ... Purchase bed linens and clothing manufactured from only natural fibers or wick-away materials that absorb sweat, draw the moisture away from the skin, and dry relatively quickly.More items...•
How long after chemo does your body get back to normal?
Most people say it takes 6 to 12 months after they finish chemotherapy before they truly feel like themselves again.
Does tamoxifen put you in menopause?
Side effects of tamoxifen may include: Menopause-like symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Weight gain (more common) or fluid retention (edema). Irregular or loss of menstrual periods.
What is menopausal hormone therapy?
Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)—also called postmenopausal hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy —is a treatment that doctors may re...
How do the hormones used in MHT differ from the hormones produced by a woman’s body?
The hormones used in MHT come from a variety of plants and animals, or they can be made in a laboratory. The chemical structure of these hormones i...
Where does evidence about the health effects of MHT come from?
The most comprehensive evidence about the health effects of MHT comes from two randomized clinical trials that were sponsored by the National Ins...
What are the health effects of MHT?
Research has shown that MHT is associated with the following health effects: Hip and vertebral fractures. Women who took estrogen alone or estro...
Do local formulations of menopausal hormone therapy have different risks?
Both systemic and local treatment options for MHT are available in the United States. Which option a woman receives depends on the menopausal s...
Is it safe for women who have had a cancer diagnosis to take MHT?
One of the roles of naturally occurring estrogen is to promote the normal growth of cells in the breast and uterus. Some cancers also use estrogen...
What should women do if they have menopausal symptoms but are concerned about taking MHT?
Women who are seeking relief from hot flashes and vaginal dryness should talk with their health care provider about whether to take MHT, the po...
Are there alternatives for women who choose not to take menopausal hormone therapy?
Women who are concerned about the changes that occur naturally with the decline in hormone production that occurs during menopause can make changes...
What questions remain in this area of research?
The WHI trials were landmark studies that have transformed our understanding of the health effects of MHT. It’s important to note that women who we...
What is the treatment for MHT?
MHT usually involves treatment with estrogen alone or estrogen plus progestin, a synthetic hormone whose effects are similar to those of progesterone. Women who have a uterus —that is, who have not had a hysterectomy —are generally prescribed estrogen plus progestin for MHT. This is because estrogen alone is associated with an increased risk ...
Is there a non FDA approved hormone?
Non- FDA -approved hormone products, sometimes referred to as “bio-identical hormones,” are widely promoted and sold without a prescription on the Internet. Claims that these products are “safer” or more “natural” than FDA-approved hormonal products are not supported by credible scientific evidence. The FDA provides more information about these ...
Does estrogen help with breast cancer?
One of the roles of naturally occurring estrogen is to promote the normal growth of cells in the breast and uterus. Some cancers also use estrogen to promote their growth. Thus, it is generally believed that MHT may promote further tumor growth in women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Is MHT safe for menopause?
FDA currently advises women to use MHT for the shortest time and at the lowest dose possible to control menopausal symptoms. The FDA provides additional information about the risks and benefits of MHT use for menopausal symptoms on its Menopause and Hormones: Common Questions page.
How does menopause affect cancer?
The psychological effects of menopausal symptoms can be hard to cope with, especially when you are also dealing with cancer. feeling very emotional or anxious. Many women find it helpful to talk about their feelings with family and friends, or their cancer doctor or specialist nurse.
What does it mean when you have a permanent menopause?
Infertility and menopause. A permanent menopause means that you will not be able to have children (infertility). Infertility can be very difficult to deal with, especially if you wanted to get pregnant. It can be particularly hard when you are already coping with cancer.
What hormones do women produce during menopause?
This can cause an early menopause for some women. Before menopause, the ovaries produce the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. These control a woman’s monthly cycle (periods). During menopause, periods gradually stop as the ovaries stop producing these hormones. For most women, this usually happens naturally between the ages of 45 and 55.
Why is menopause so bad?
For some women, they last for many years. The symptoms are sometimes worse if menopause has happened suddenly because of cancer treatments. You may need blood tests to find out if treatment has caused an early menopause.
What is the best way to talk to a woman going through menopause?
feeling very emotional or anxious. Many women find it helpful to talk about their feelings with family and friends, or their cancer doctor or specialist nurse. There are organisations that provide support to women going through menopause, such as The Daisy Network. Some women may find counselling helpful.
Can phytoestrogens help with menopause?
Plant oestrogens. Plant oestrogens (phytoestrogens) can have a weak oestrogen-like effect on the body and may help improve menopause symptoms. But there is not enough evidence about how helpful or how safe they are. Doctors advise women with breast cancer not to take plant oestrogens.
Does menopause cause bone loss?
Menopause, and particularly early menopause may increase the risk of bone thinning (osteoporosis) and heart disease. There are ways to reduce these risks. Bone thinning (osteoporosis) Oestrogen helps maintain bone calcium levels and bone density. The risk of osteoporosis is higher after menopause.
How to reduce breast cancer risk before menopause?
The same ways you reduce your cancer risk before menopause: exercise, eat a healthy diet, don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke, and maintain a healthy body weight. Research shows that gaining weight after menopause increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer, but losing weight after menopause can actually reduce your risk.
How to stop hot flashes?
Reducing stress. Getting enough sleep. Avoiding hot flash triggers like coffee, tea and alcohol. Quitting smoking. If lifestyle changes don’t help, women may wish to talk to their doctor about anti-depressants. Certain anti-depressants tend to reduce frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
Does menopause cause cancer?
Menopause does not cause cancer. But your risk of developing cancer increases as you age. So women going through menopause have a greater chance of developing cancer because they’re older.
Does estrogen increase ovarian cancer?
Some studies also suggest that using HT after menopause may slightly increase ovarian cancer risk. Generally, the longer you use hormone therapy, the more your cancer risk appears to increase.
What are the causes of cancer after menopause?
Two main factors are linked with increased cancer risk after menopause: Increased exposure to hormones, such as estrogen. Increased number of ovulations. Ovulation occurs when the ovary releases eggs.
What is combined hormone therapy?
Combined hormone therapy may help relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and osteoporosis. Combined hormone therapy is also called postmenopausal hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT is a combination of estrogen and progestin. Progestin is a form of progesterone made in a laboratory.
What is HRT in women?
HRT is a combination of estrogen and progestin. Progestin is a form of progesterone made in a laboratory. The National Institutes of Health conducts the Women’s Health Initiative study. This study has found that HRT increases the risk of certain conditions.
When do women start menstruating?
This includes women who: Begin menstruating before age 12. Start menopause after age 55.
Can birth control pills cause cancer?
Oral contraceptives are commonly called birth control pills. Research shows that they can lower ovarian cancer risk. This is because these medications often stop ovulation temporarily. Talk with your doctor about your risk of cancer. And ask about the risks and benefits of oral contraceptives.
Can menopause start earlier?
However, it may often start earlier or later. For women with cancer, menopause may begin earlier. For example, some treatments cause the ovaries to stop working. This is called premature menopause. Learn more about long-term side effects of cancer treatment. Learn how to manage menopausal symptoms.
Can you get HRT for breast cancer?
HRT recommendations. Because of the risks, doctors typically do not recommend HRT, particularly for women who: Have a history of breast cancer. Have a higher risk of breast cancer. Sometimes, women receive HRT at a low dose. This is done for a short time for severe menopausal symptoms.
What is the best treatment for menopause?
Treatments may include: Hormone therapy . Estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment option for relieving menopausal hot flashes.
How to help menopause symptoms?
Practice relaxation techniques. Techniques such as deep breathing, paced breathing, guided imagery, massage and progressive muscle relaxation may help with menopausal symptoms. You can find a number of books and online offerings that show different relaxation exercises. Strengthen your pelvic floor.
What is the best medicine for hot flashes?
Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay). Clonidine, a pill or patch typically used to treat high blood pressure, might provide some relief from hot flashes. Medications to prevent or treat osteoporosis. Depending on individual needs, doctors may recommend medication to prevent or treat osteoporosis.
How to stop hot flashes?
Take these steps to help reduce or prevent their effects: Cool hot flashes. Dress in layers, have a cold glass of water or go somewhere cooler. Try to pinpoint what triggers your hot flashes. For many women, triggers may include hot beverages, caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, stress, hot weather and even a warm room.
Can you tell if you're on menopause?
Diagnosis. Signs and symptoms of menopause are usually enough to tell most women that they've started the menopausal transition. If you have concerns about irregular periods or hot flashes, talk with your doctor. In some cases, further evaluation may be recommended. Tests typically aren't needed to diagnose menopause.
Do you need estrogen if you have uterus?
If you still have your uterus, you'll need progestin in addition to estrogen. Estrogen also helps prevent bone loss. Long-term use of hormone therapy may have some cardiovascular and breast cancer risks, but starting hormones around the time of menopause has shown benefits for some women.
Can FSH test tell if you are in perimenopause?
The tests could tell you whether you have elevated FSH levels and might be in perimenopause or menopause. But, since FSH levels rise and fall during the course of your menstrual cycle, home FSH tests can't really tell you whether or not you're definitely in a stage of menopause.
What are the risks of menopause?
Women who experience premature menopause (before age 40 years) or early menopause (between ages 40 and 45 years) experience an increased risk of overall mortality, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, psychiatric diseases, osteoporosis, and other sequelae. The risk of adverse outcomes increases with earlier age at the time of menopause.
Why does menopause increase over time?
Premature menopause from these causes has increased over time because of the improved success in the treatment of cancer in children, adolescents, and reproductive-age women.
When is menopause considered premature?
Premature menopause refers to menopause that occurs before age 40 years, and early menopause refers to menopause that occurs at or before age 45 years, both ranges being well below the median age of natural menopause (age 51 years) [1].
Is estrogen deficiency a risk factor for premature menopause?
Regardless of cause, women who experience estrogen de ficien cy at an age well before the median age of natural menopause are now recognized to be at increased risk for premature morbidity and mortality.
Can premenopausal women become amenorrheic?
Approximately two-thirds of premenopausal women become amenorrheic after starting the chemotherapy regimen most commonly used for breast cancer [24]; however, the overall risk of inducing menopause depends on the type and dose of chemotherapy and on the age of the woman.
Is menopause a long term health problem?
Premature menopause and early menopause, whether spontaneous or induced, are associated with long-term health risks which may include premature death, cardiovascular disease, neurologic disease, osteoporosis, psychosexual dysfunction, and mood disorders. Estrogen mitigates some but not all of these consequences.
What are some ways to help women with menopause?
Exercise, relaxation techniques, and behavioral therapies: Some women find these types of approaches help them with menopausal symptoms. Although there is only limited research showing these techniques might helpful, there’s likely to be little harm in trying them.
Why do women get menopause?
Some pre-menopausal women have menopause symptoms as a result of chemotherapy or from hormone therapy drugs used to treat breast cancer (such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors). Women who are past menopause might also get symptoms ...
What to do if you have hot flashes during menopause?
If you are having trouble with menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, talk to your doctor about other ways besides PHT to help with specific symptoms. Some women might want to try taking other, non-hormonal medicines to help with their symptoms. Others might want to try other methods first to see if they help.
What are some medications that help with hot flashes?
Non-hormone medicines for hot flashes: Drugs without hormone properties that may be helpful in treating hot flashes include: 1 Certain antidepressant drugs, such as venlafaxine (Effexor), citalopram (Celexa), or paroxetine (Paxil)* 2 The nerve drug gabapentin (Neurontin) 3 The blood pressure drug clonidine 4 Oxybutynin, a drug used to treat overactive bladder
Can you get breast cancer from PHT?
But doctors have been concerned about women who have had breast cancer using PHT, because of the known link between estrogen levels and breast cancer growth. A well-designed clinical trial (the HABITS study) found that breast cancer survivors taking PHT were much more likely to develop a new or recurrent breast cancer ...
Is soy good for breast cancer?
Eating soy foods seems to be safe for breast cancer survivors, although it’s not clear if it can help relieve menopause symptoms. Women can get higher doses of phytoestrogens in some dietary supplements (such as soy or isoflavone supplements). However, not enough is known about these supplements to know for sure if they are safe and if they work. ...
Is soy good for menopause?
Eating soy foods seems to be safe for breast cancer survivors, although it’s not clear if it can help relieve menopause symptoms.