Understanding chemotherapy - Macmillan Cancer

Understanding chemotherapyYou may be able to have hormone replacement therapy (HRT)to replace the hormones your ovaries are no longer producing.It can improve some symptoms of the menopause and protectyour bones and heart. Early menopause can increase the riskof bone thinning (osteoporosis).But some cancers, for example breast cancer and wombcancer, depend on hormones to grow so your specialistmay not advise HRT. We have a fact sheet about managingmenopausal symptoms for women with breast cancer.If you’ve had early menopause because of chemotherapy,ask your cancer specialist if HRT is suitable for you.Managing menopausal symptomsIf HRT isn’t advised or if you don’t want to take it, thereare different ways that symptoms can be managed. If yoursymptoms are affecting your day-to-day life, ask yourdoctor about other medicines that may help withmenopausal symptoms.Low doses of anti-depressant drugs, or a drug called Clonidine(Catapres ® , Dixarit ® ) used to control blood pressure, can reducehot flushes and sweats. Some women find that using a slow,controlled breathing technique, yoga or acupuncture mayhelp with flushes. Different lubricants or creams can be usedto help reduce discomfort from vaginal dryness during sex.Our booklet on sexuality has more information.The Daisy Network is a support organisation forwomen who have early menopause (see page 97for contact details). You can also contact our cancersupport specialists on freephone 0808 808 00 00if you’d like more information.72