Whether treatment has forced you into menopause or you've already gone through the transition naturally, you may now be experiencing many changes in your body brought on by the decrease of estrogen. Hormone replacement therapy (taking estrogen in the form of pills) is not suggested for women with breast cancer. But, there are ways to help manage these changes brought on by menopause that do not involve taking estrogen.
Hot flashes
Ranging from mild to severe discomfort, hot flashes are a feeling of increased warmth and a reddening of the skin that rises from your chest to your neck, accompanied by sweating. They can occur day or night and may disturb your sleep.
Avoid the triggers: caffeine, hot beverages, overheated rooms, hot weather, stress, alcohol
Dress in layers that can be removed and wear clothing made of natural fibers
Some doctors recommend vitamin E or B-complex vitamins
daily; be sure to tell your doctor if you plan to take any vitamins or herbs
Exercise, exercise, exercise — It can reduce hot flashes and help relieve most symptoms related to menopause including insomnia, weight gain, mood swings, loss of libido, fatigue, elevated cholesterol and poor self-image. It also helps keep your heart, blood vessels, muscles and bones healthy. Be sure to speak with your doctor before beginning or changing any exercise program.
Change your diet — a low-fat diet usually helps women reduce hot flashes over time.
Consider alternative treatments — many women find that acupuncture and/or Chinese
herbal remedies help but their safety is not known. Speak to your doctor before investigating either type of treatment.
There are other drug treatment options besides estrogen therapy. Talk to your doctor to learn more.
Sadness and Depression
It's important to know that for many women, sadness is a normal part of the breast cancer recovery process. Click here to read more about the emotional recovery after breast cancer. A support group may also help. Click here for places where you can seek solace.
Depression, however, is more than a feeling of sadness. It's an inability to cope. Some women who are thrust into menopause suffer from depression due to the sudden change in hormone levels that result from certain treatments (not unlike postpartum depression). If you find that you're having an overwhelming feeling of helplessness or hopelessness, memory problems, panic attacks, loss of pleasure in what used to make you happy, lack of interest in sex or food, sleep problems and if you're having difficulty concentrating, you may be suffering from clinical depression. Talk to a therapist about getting help and or medication. Your doctor may be able to provide you with a referral.
Memory Problems
Women going through menopause sometimes complain of feeling "fuzzy" or losing their mental agility. It's not clear to what extent menopause affects memory or whether it is a result of the normal aging process. The more you "exercise" your brain the better it will function though. So keep it busy. Learn new things. Test yourself on what you'd like to remember. Do a crossword puzzle or a brain teaser.
Weight Gain
Women begin a slow but steady gain in weight after menopause. Your metabolic rate slows down and if you're less physically active, you're bound to put on a few pounds if not more. Exercising and changing your eating habits is the best way to combat this symptom of menopause.
Vaginal Dryness
A drop in estrogen levels after menopause can leave the membranes of the vagina thinner with a loss of elasticity and a decrease in the production of lubricating fluids.
An over the counter lubricant may help moisturize the walls of the vagina.
If you're experiencing any pain during intercourse, click here for some helpful information.
