Managing menopause if you have a history of breast cancer

Breast cancer complications make dealing with menopause more challenging. You may well have been given treatment to block oestrogen, and therefore HRT can be contra-indicated (although not always). Luckily, there are other options. Let’s take a look at these.

Non-hormonal medicationsAlternative options available

Clonidine

This can help with hot flushes, especially in women taking tamoxifen, though it can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches and dizziness. This needs to be used in caution in women who already take blood pressure medication.

Venlafaxine

In terms of hot flushes, venlafaxine has the most convincing evidence of a positive outcome and it can also help with mood.

Paroxetine and Fluoxetine

These can be useful in hot flashes and mood disturbance but neither should be used with Tamoxifen as they can reduce its efficacy.

Oxybutynin

This can be helpful with hot flushes. Side effects include dry mouth and nausea.

Gabapentin

This can be helpful with hot flashes and mood disturbance, although it can cause nausea and gastric upset.

Fezolinetant (Vezoah)

This is a new medication which can be helpful for hot flushes and is generally well tolerated.

Topical oestrogen creams

This is used for urogenital symptoms, even in women with a history of breast cancer.

Non-hormonal vaginal moisturisers and lubricants

can be used safely in all women for symptoms in this area.

Remember to ask your GP about treatments available, or book a consultation with one of our accredited specialists

All doctors at Menopause Care have experience of working with a history of breast cancer and a family history of breast cancer, so they can help advise on what is best for you going forwards.

Psychological therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and meditation can be helpful, as well as therapies such as acupuncture, massage and reflexology.