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menopause

jud
jud CSN Member Posts: 6
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi there, Just wanted to know if anyone out there has been going through menopause early because of chemo? If so what advise can you give me about this. Judy
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  • taraHK
    taraHK CSN Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    #2
    Hi. I went through early menopause, but because of radiation, not chemo. My presurgical radiation for low rectal tumour 'fried' my ovaries. I was 44 at the time (now 45) and very fortunate in that I was not planning/wanting to have any more kids. My doctors discussed with me early on the possibility of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) but I couldn't even consider it until my surgery was over and my post-surgical chemo completed. HRT is pretty controversial these days, as you are no doubt aware. I spent a lot of time reading and discussing with doctors. In the end, I have decided to take HRT for a short while (maybe 1-2 years). This is for short-term relief of symptoms, not for long-term anything. Before I started the HRT, I was experiencing hot flashes and night sweats. Not horrible, but not great either. I also started having some hair loss (from the chemo? menopause? who knows...). Since starting HRT, I have had complete relief from the hot flashes, etc. I have developed some pimples on my face though! Just what I need, at 45, and after everything else! Happy to discuss further. And good luck to you, whatever you decide.
    Tara
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  • Lisa Rose
    Lisa Rose CSN Member Posts: 598 Member
    #3
    Hi jud,

    I also started menopause at 40 years of age thanks to my 28 radiation treatments. Yes, I also went on hormone replacement therapy for 1 year and I am now in the process of weaning off. It should take about 3 month's and we'll see how things go.
    My menopause symptoms were severe hot flashes, night sweats, cold chills, insomnia, vaginal dryness, no libido,depression, mood swings. For me how could I ever learn to accept my cancer diagnosis when I was up all night sweating & freezing... and you wonder why one can be depressed. So I think short term HRT can be a good thing till your strong and back on your own two feet. So many people who have not experienced any menopause symptoms are quick to say they would never go on HRT, and I hope that they never have to. But you have to do what is right for you. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

    Lisa
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