Menopause in cancer survivors

Menopause in cancer patients can be a complex issue, as cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can affect the ovaries and lead to premature menopause or early onset of menopausal symptoms. It's important for cancer patients and survivors to have access to reliable and accurate information about menopause and its management.

For women who have had breast cancer, the decision to start HRT after cancer treatment is particularly complex, as HRT has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence.

For women who have had other types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer or endometrial cancer, HRT may be recommended to manage menopausal symptoms, but the timing of starting HRT will depend on individual factors and the patient's overall health status.

When considering HRT after cancer treatment, it is important to weigh up the potential risks and benefits of the treatment, and to first explore alternative strategies for managing menopausal symptoms, such as lifestyle changes, non-hormonal medications, and alternative therapies. Women who have had breast cancer should also consider the potential risks of HRT on breast cancer recurrence, and should discuss these risks with their healthcare provider, who can provide guidance and information to help women make an informed decision about whether or not to take HRT.

Cancer Survivors- how can we help you?

Cancer survivors and Menopause- A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is often used to manage hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in cancer survivors, as the decision to use HRT after cancer treatment is complex and involves multiple factors. Our multidisciplinary team include an oncologist, a menopause specialist and possibly the GP.The team will work together to evaluate your individual risk factors for cancer recurrence, the severity of menopausal symptoms, and the potential benefits and risks of HRT. We will also consider alternative strategies for managing menopausal symptoms, such as lifestyle changes, non-hormonal medications, and alternative therapies.

The oncologist will provide information on the patient's cancer treatment history and the potential impact of HRT on cancer recurrence. The menopause specialist will provide information on the use of HRT for managing menopausal symptoms, including the potential benefits and risks of different types of HRT. The GP will provide ongoing monitoring of the patient's health status.

The aim of a multidisciplinary approach is to provide education and support to you, helping you to make an informed decision about whether or not to use HRT. Together we will discuss the potential benefits and risks of HRT, including the potential impact on cancer recurrence, and will help you to weigh up these factors in light of your individual medical history and overall health status.

Ultimately, the goal of our multidisciplinary team approach is to provide individualised, patient-centred care that addresses the unique needs and concerns of each cancer survivor. We will work together as a team to ensure that you receive the best possible care, whether or not HRT is recommended.

MDT at OHC: How does it work ?

Here at OHC we have set up monthly MDT meetings comprising of an oncologist , a menopause specialist and you, the patient to ensure that the risks and benefits of HRT are carefully evaluated and that your overall health and well-being are taken into account. An MDT at OHC can help to manage HRT in cancer survivors in several ways:

Evaluation of Cancer Risk: The team can assess your individual cancer risk, taking into account factors such as cancer type, stage, and treatment history. This information can help to determine whether HRT is appropriate for you and what the potential risks and benefits of the treatment may be.
Management of Menopausal Symptoms: The team can help to manage menopausal symptoms in cancer survivors through a variety of strategies, including lifestyle changes, non-hormonal medications, and alternative therapies. This can help to minimize the need for HRT and reduce the potential risks associated with the treatment.
Shared Decision Making: The team can facilitate shared decision making by providing information and support to help you to make an informed decision about whether or not to use HRT.

In summary, a multidisciplinary team approach is important for managing HRT in cancer survivors, as it can help to ensure that the risks and benefits of the treatment are carefully evaluated, and that the patient's overall health and well-being are taken into account.

Alternative treatments:

While conventional treatments such as hormone therapy can be effective, some cancer patients may not be able to take them due to other health conditions or personal preferences. Non-hormonal or non-pharmacological treatments can provide relief from vasomotor symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Here are some non-hormonal treatments that have shown promising results:

Antidepressants such as venlafaxine and paroxetine have been shown to reduce hot flashes. These medications work by affecting the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that regulate body temperature. However, these medications can have side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction.
Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant medication, has also been shown to reduce hot flashes. It works by decreasing the sensitivity of certain nerves that trigger hot flashes. However, gabapentin can have side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.
Clonidine, a blood pressure medication, has been used to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. It works by decreasing the activity of certain nerves that control body temperature. However, clonidine can have side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Non-pharmacological treatments such as relaxation techniques, meditation and acupuncture have also been shown to reduce hot flashes and improve overall quality of life.

How to book an MDT?

We are currently offering MDT’s on one or two Tuesday afternoons between 4pm and 6pm per month. If you are interested in booking an appointment, please do email us at info@oxfordhormoneclinic.com and we will get in touch. Once an appointment has been arranged we will email you a medical questionnaire and a symptom questionnaire for you to fill out.