Sex, Sexuality, Fertility concerns

Menopause symptoms

Some cancer treatments can cause an early or temporary menopause, or side effects similar to menopausal symptoms

Symptoms of menopause include:

  • Hot flushes and sweats
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Loss of interest in sex
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dry skin
  • Aches and pains
  • Needing to pass urine (pee) more often
  • Weight gain
  • Mood swings
  • Loss of confidence
  • Poor concentration.

Most people have some of these symptoms. The symptoms can vary from mild to more severe. For some people, they last for many years. The symptoms are sometimes worse if the menopause starts suddenly because of cancer treatments.

You may have already been told that your treatment has put you into menopause or that you are at risk of an early menopause. Or if you feel you have menopausal symptoms now, you can ask your GP for blood tests to find out whether treatment has caused an early menopause.

For more information on managing and reducing menopausal symptoms please follow the links below:

Or for further online support, please follow the below links

Hot Flushes and Sweats

Hot flushes and sweats can be caused by some cancer treatments. Find out more about ways to reduce their severity and how often they happen.

If you develop hot flushes as a new symptom, please see your GP

Hot flushes for patients who can’t have HRT

For some patients, treatment can cause hot flushes where treatment with HRT or testosterone replacement is not appropriate.

Patients might have had:

  • Breast Cancer
  • Ovarian / Endometrial Cancer

You may already have non hormonal medication to help manage your hot sweats, if not , speak to your treating team or GP.

Top tips for managing hot sweats:

  • Mind & Body Practices: Regular exercise, yoga and meditation can lower stress induced hot flushes
  • Triggor Avoidance: Limit spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol
  • Keep cool: use fans, cotton bedding and wear layers, wear natural fibres like cotton
  • Use a Chiilow or cold packs
  • Stress can cause flushing for some patients, managing stress through identifying stressors, adopting healthy habits like exercise, social interaction and relaxation techniques. Acupuncture has also been recognise to help with this.

Please speak to your treating team or GP if you are having difficulty managing your hot flushes

Please see below for more information: