Suggestions for Menopausal Symptoms After Breast Cancer
Menopausal symptoms may occur as a side effect of breast cancer treatment and may last longer and be more severe than natural menopause. Here are suggestions to relieve women's complaints.
Hormone replacement may relieve hot flashes or excessive sweating in natural menopause, but is not used in breast cancer patients because most breast cancers are hormone-sensitive.
Treatment-induced menopause generally causes longer, more severe symptoms because estrogen falls rapidly, whereas natural transition takes years.
Vaginal Dryness and Atrophy (Tissue Shrinkage)
Vaginal Moisturizers
Nonhormonal moisturizers may reduce symptoms, improve conditions for sexual activity and restore tissue elasticity. They can be used with lubricants during intercourse.
Physical Vaginal Dilation Therapy
Dilators of various sizes gently stretch tissue and preserve flexibility, generally reducing intercourse pain. Daily use for ten minutes is recommended.
Pelvic Kegel Exercises
Stretching and relaxing pelvic floor muscles and improving control and strength can reduce pain during intercourse and gynecological examination. Dilators and physical therapy may improve blood flow and arousal. Consult a specialist doctor or sexual-health physiotherapist about correct exercises to learn vaginal muscle relaxation.
Low-Dose Local Hormone Therapy
Low-dose estrogen tablets are placed inside the vagina to deliver estrogen to local tissue. This is newer than high-dose systemic hormone treatment. Patients in a related study reported generally better sexual function and satisfaction.
Relieving Hot Flashes
Nonhormonal drugs may be considered. Estrogen medicines relieve many women's symptoms but are not recommended after breast cancer. Alternatives include low-dose antidepressants such as venlafaxine, sertraline and paroxetine, effective in some women at reducing frequency and severity. Acupuncture also has demonstrated efficacy for treatment-related hot flashes.
Psychotherapy and Regular Exercise for Emotional Problems
Treatment-related menopause may cause emotional imbalance; anxiety, sadness and adversely affected libido. Psychotherapy helps coping.
Regular walking, yogaand Pilates also support emotional and physical well-being and health.
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