Gynaecology: HICO |
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Menopause
Menopause
Menopausal symptoms after cancer treatment
Some treatments for cancer can cause early menopause and/or significant menopausal symptoms.
Here is an overview : Menopausal symptoms and cancer treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support
'Breast Cancer Now' have produced an informative booklet about menopausal symptoms which you can access here:
You can get advice about symptom management and what is appropriate and safe in your individual circumstances from your GP and clinical nurse specialist. If you received your treatment at the RUH, we can also make a referral to the Macmillan Oncology Menopause Clinic for a holistic review of your symptoms and treatment options. Please speak to a member of your team about making this referral.
Menopausal symptoms can cause difficulties with:
- anxiety, stress and mood changes
- bladder control
- sleep
Please see our Psychological,Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy pages for resources to help with these issues.
Pain and stiffness
Speak to your clinical nurse specialist or GP if you are experiencing pain and stiffness due to menopausal symptoms.
Physical activity and exercise may help to manage pain and stiffness. You can request a physiotherapy assessment to support you to exercise safely and to find out about the group sessions and exercise classes that we offer. Contact the Therapies Oncology Team via 01225 821241 or email ruh-tr.cancerrehab@nhs.net
Yoga and Pilates can be helpful for managing menopausal symptoms. Some practitioners specialise in yoga for menopause.
Hot Flushes
Women’s Health Concern (WHC) have a useful fact sheet on using cognitive behavioural therapy to manage hot flushes :
Sex and Intimacy
Menopausal symptoms, along with physical changes due to treatment for cancer, can affect how people feel about their bodies, their relationships and physical intimacy. If this has affected you and you would like to talk to someone about these changes, please speak to one of your clinical team.
You may also find the following information useful, either for yourself or to share with a partner:
- Female pelvic side effects and your sex life | Macmillan Cancer Support
- Relationships | Macmillan Cancer Support
- Sex - Cancer support charity for young people - Shine (shinecancersupport.org)
Work
Everyone who has had a diagnosis of cancer is protected by the Equalities Act of 2010 for life. You can find out more about your rights under the act via the link below:
Cancer and employment rights | Macmillan Cancer Support
If menopausal symptoms are causing difficulties at work, please contact occupational therapy for an individual appointment to explore strategies and reasonable adjustments to support you.
The Hope Course
This is a self-management programme for people living with and beyond cancer which has been developed by Macmillan and Coventry University. It covers topics including sleep, fatigue, stress, managing concerns for the future, eating well, getting back to physical activity and exercise, body changes, identity, intimacy and relationships. We run group sessions virtually and in person at the RUH.
People who have come on the course have reported that:
“It shows you what is achievable. Ways to look forward with hope.”
“I would recommend it. I would say how meeting other people helps and listening makes you realise you’re not alone.”
“I'm more relaxed and more capable and confident in stressful situations. I still have anxieties but I'm better at acknowledging them and moving on.”
You can find out about it using the following link:
Help to Overcome Problems Effectively (learnzone.org.uk)
You can self-refer yourself to Hope or ask a member of the team to refer you. Or if you would like to speak to someone to find out more please call :
Therapies Oncology Team on 01225 821241
or
The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre on 01225 824049