How breast cancer treatments trigger menopause and ways to cope

Breast cancer treatments often trigger menopausal symptoms, whether temporary or long-term. These effects can appear in women of any age, depending on the therapy and their stage of life. Symptoms range from hot flashes to mood swings, requiring careful management without hormonal therapies.

Chemotherapy may cause temporary menopause in younger women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Hormone therapy, meanwhile, can restart menopausal symptoms in those who had already completed natural menopause. Ovarian suppression, another common treatment, also leads to similar effects.

Common symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, weight fluctuations, sleep problems, and shifts in mood. To ease these issues, doctors often recommend nonhormonal approaches. Medications like venlafaxine, certain antidepressants, gabapentin, and fezolinetant help control hot flashes. For sexual health concerns, options include water- or silicone-based lubricants, vaginal moisturisers, topical lidocaine, and pelvic floor therapy. In some cases, low-dose vaginal estrogen or DHEA may be used.

Bone health is another key concern. Survivors may need regular bone density tests and weight-bearing exercises to reduce risks linked to induced menopause. The exact number of women in Germany experiencing treatment-induced menopause each year remains unknown. However, nonhormonal treatments and lifestyle adjustments provide ways to manage symptoms. These measures aim to improve quality of life for breast cancer survivors facing early or recurring menopausal effects.