Menopause

If your ovaries have been damaged by radiation therapy or chemotherapy, or they’ve been surgically removed, your body will no longer produce the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. When these hormones are no longer made, women stop having periods. This is called menopause. For most women, menopause is a natural and gradual process that starts between the ages of 45 and 55.

Learn more about:

• Symptoms of menopause
• Tips for managing symptoms of menopause
• Your feelings about early menopause

Listen to our podcasts on Sex and Cancer and Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis

Symptoms of menopause

Symptoms of menopause can include hot flushes, mood swings, trouble sleeping (insomnia), tiredness and vaginal dryness. You may also have a decreased interest in sex (low libido).

Menopause may cause other changes in the body. For example, over time, your bones may become weak and brittle, and break more easily. This is called osteoporosis. Your cholesterol levels may rise, which can increase your risk of heart disease.

The symptoms of sudden menopause are usually more severe than a natural menopause, because the body hasn’t had time to get used to a gradual decrease in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone.

Oestrogen-alone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms and to help prevent osteoporosis. For more information about dealing with the symptoms of menopause and whether HRT is right for you, talk to your doctor or ask for a referral to a specialist menopause clinic. 

Tips for managing symptoms of menopause

• Talk to your doctor about having a bone density test or taking medicines to prevent osteoporosis.
• Regular exercise will help keep your bones strong. Visit Osteoporosis Australia or call 1800 242 141 for more information.
• Ask your doctor to check your cholesterol levels. If they are high, regular exercise and a balanced diet may help them improve. If not, talk to your doctor about cholesterol-lowering drugs.
• Your doctor can suggest dietary changes and suitable exercises.
• If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting or call the Quitline on 13 7848.
• Try meditation and relaxation techniques to help reduce stress and lessen symptoms.

Your feelings about early menopause

When cancer treatment causes early menopause, the impact on your emotions, body image and relationships can be significant.

If you are a young woman, experiencing menopause much earlier than you expected may affect your sense of identity, or make you feel older than your age or peers.

If you are an older woman, going through menopause earlier than you expected may be upsetting. But some older women say they feel relieved to not have to worry about regular periods.

You may find it difficult to start new intimate relationships after going through menopause. For more on this, see Relationships and sexuality.

It may take time to accept the changes you’re experiencing. Talking to a family member, friend or counsellor may help.