Menopause occurs when the ovaries start making less of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. This will cause changes in the menstrual cycle as well as other physical changes. Normally, menopause is a gradual process that occurs over several years as your body adjusts to the changes of decreased hormones. However, some cancer treatments will cause a woman to go into sudden menopause. These treatments include surgical removal of the ovaries, radiation or certain kinds of chemotherapy which cause the ovaries to become non-functional.

The symptoms of menopause include:

• Hot flashes – Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause. A hot flash is a sudden feeling of heat that moves upward from your chest to your shoulders, neck and head. Your face and neck may also turn red or flushed and you may experience sweating. A hot flash does not last very long but can occur often. They may be triggered by stress, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, warm weather, or warm indoor temperatures.
  
• Night sweats – A night sweat is the same as a hot flash but it occurs at night while you are sleeping. Often times, the sweating is more severe than a regular hot flash. Many women wake up in the middle of a night sweat to find their pajamas, sheets and pillow drenched with sweat.
  
• Vaginal changes – Some vaginal changes include vaginal dryness, burning, and/or itching. These symptoms may make sexual penetration painful or uncomfortable.
  
• Emotional changes – Emotional changes may include: irritability, mood swings, insomnia, loss of energy, lack of motivation, headaches, difficulty concentrating, depression, and aggressiveness.
  
• Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis is a condition that causes a decrease in bone density resulting in brittle and weak bones.

Every woman is different and therefore the range of symptoms experienced will vary. Some women will experience all of the symptoms, while others will experience only a few symptoms. Some of the symptoms may be mild, while others may be severe.

Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether or not the symptoms you are feeling are a result of menopause or the result of cancer treatment. It is important for you to discuss your symptoms with your doctor so that she can make an appropriate diagnosis.

There are basically two ways to treat the symptoms of menopause: 1) Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and 2) Alternative Non-HRT. Your doctor is the best person to determine what type of treatment is right for you.

There is much controversy over the pros and cons of HRT. There are several types of cancers (such as breast cancer or endometrial cancer) that “feed” on hormones. As a result, many doctors feel it is too risky to give women HRT when they have had this type of cancer. Many doctors also feel it is too risky to give women HRT if they have a family history of breast or endometrial cancer, or if they have other risk factors which could lead to these cancers. However, one of the most bothersome symptoms of menopause are hot flashes and HRT remains the most effective way to manage this symptom.

If you and your doctor have determined that HRT is not the right choice for you, then you will want to find an alternative method to treat the symptoms of menopause.

Alternative Treatment for Hot Flashes
Alternative Treatment for Night Sweats and Insomnia
Alternative Treatment for Vaginal Changes