Menopause Awareness Month
Since 2009 October has been designated as World Menopause Awareness Month by the International Menopause Society (IMS), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). During the month World Menopause Awareness Day takes place on 18 October. The purpose is to raise awareness of associated health issues and improve understanding of the menopause.
We’re putting the spotlight on the support available if you are going through the menopause or you are experiencing the early menopause following cancer treatment.
Early menopause and menopausal symptoms can be common when having hormonal therapy to treat specific cancer types such as womb cancer and breast cancer.
How Macmillan can help if you are affected by the menopause and cancer
We provide services for people living with cancer at every stage of their cancer journey. If you or a loved one has been affected by the menopause and cancer, we can help.
What is the menopause or early menopause?
Menopause is the time when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. This usually happens naturally between the ages of 45 and 55.
Some cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, for example, Letrozole (Femara®) can cause menopausal symptoms or temporary menopause.
Symptoms can include:
- hot flushes
- vaginal dryness
- difficulty sleeping
- mood swings and
- feeling emotional and anxious.
Your healthcare team can explain if the treatment you are having is likely to cause an early menopause.
We have more information about the menopause and cancer, including:
Managing menopause or early menopause symptoms
Hormone replacement therapy
You may be able to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) depending on what type of cancer you have. If your doctor does not recommend HRT for you or you do not want to take it, there are other ways to manage menopause symptoms.
If you live in England you can potentially save money by buying an HRT prescription prepayment certificate (HRT PPC), if you've been prescribed an eligible hormone replacement therapy HRT medicine. The HRT PPC costs £19.30 for 12 months.
Complementary therapies
Some complementary therapies, such as breathing exercises, yoga or acupuncture, may help with anxiety and hot flushes. Your GP can give you more details.
Paralympian helps shine light on early menopause and cancer with Boots
In partnership with Boots we are highlighting the often-overlooked issue of early menopause caused by cancer treatment. Together, we're aiming to provide a space for women with cancer to share their experiences.
In this video, paralympic rowing cox Erin Kennedy, who was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through early menopause at 29, aims to generate greater awareness and empower people to seek the support they need to live well.
Your stories
“Hormone therapy brought on a quick menopause.” - Emma
I read more about my hormone therapy tablets and injections on the Macmillan website and spoke to a couple of people on the Online Community about it. I felt like being prepared was my best course of action. I feel that the more prepared I am the better.
"I went through the menopause and that floored me on top of the rest of my cancer treatment." - Karen
I was overwhelmed by everything going on. Maybe it was the menopause, the brain fog and the trauma of everything going on. I hit this wall where I did not care what happened to me. Macmillan Buddies helped to save me as I was at rock bottom. I started to take one day at a time.
Getting help if you are living with menopause and cancer
If you are worried about the early menopause or menopausal symptoms and you have questions, you are not the only one.
Read more about ways to manage menopause symptoms, including feeling emotional or anxious, hot flushes and sweating, trouble sleeping and reduced sex drive.
Our Online Community is a place to chat to others, share experiences or vent emotions with others living with cancer.
There are regularly updated blogs which feature questions and tips from community members. Read more about ways to manage hot flushes.
You can ask your GP any questions you have and let them know if you have any concerns about symptoms or treatments.
You can call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, open 7 days a week 8am to 8pm. Or email the Macmillan Support Line.
We also have cancer information in different languages and accessible formats including audio, easy read and British Sign Language. Find out more about how Macmillan can help.
Other organisations who can help
Other organisations offering support include: the NHS, Boots health hub, Rock my menopause and Queermenopause for people who identify as LGBTQ+.