About Premature Menopause
Premature menopause in women with gynecologic cancer or at high risk occurs due to cancer treatment or preventative surgeries, affecting ovarian function before age 51.
Chemotherapy drugs can stop the ovaries from working properly, leading to treatment-induced menopause. This may be temporary or permanent depending on your age, the type of drugs, the dose of drugs and the length of treatment. Radiation therapy to the ovaries can cause damage to ovaries, leading to treatment-induced menopause.
At A Glance
In the case of patients with gynecologic cancer, BRCA, Lynch Syndrome or other high risks, oophorectomy (removal of ovaries) will cause acute menopause.
Whatever the cause, we know that premature menopause can have immediate and long-term effects on your well-being and long-term health. Many patients experience vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes or night sweats. There are far more than an “inconvenience” or nuisance”. These are symptoms that can disrupt sleep, cognition and quality of life. Worsening anxiety or depression is very common after acute menopause. Many patients report grief after removing reproductive organs or anger about the unforeseen effects of sudden menopause on their sense of self. Others feel relief at the reduced health risk after surgery but struggle with the impact of early menopause on their energy or sexual health.
For most patients, hormone replacement therapy ( HRT) can significantly improve quality of life, sleep, control of hot flashes and night sweats, mood, and cognitive changes. HRT is essential for long-term protection against cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Our team will work with you to find the best personalized HRT regimen for you.
There will be some cases when certain types of cancer, such as hormone receptor-positive breast or some gynecological cancers, where hormones are not recommended. For these patients, our team offers expert advice about the many effective non-hormonal treatments to treat vasomotor symptoms. These can improve the quality of life in a meaningful way. For more information about non-hormonal treatment of menopause symptoms.
For more information on premature menopause. Please see North American Menopause Society and Canadian Cancer Society.
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