Some women may experience an increase in menstrual cramps. Your menstrual flow may change (become heavy or light), become irregular, or stop. It may return to its normal pattern. Many women experience premature menopause caused by chemotherapy agents. This results in temporary or permanent sterility. Menstrual periods are more likely to stop if you are in your forties or older.
Even though your periods may be irregular or stopped, you might occasionally ovulate. It is imperative that you use barrier contraception to avoid getting pregnant while or soon after treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormonal therapy. IUDs or rhythm methods are not considered effective enough in preventing pregnancy during chemotherapy. Speak to your doctor about when it will be safe for you to stop using birth control.
"Hot flashes," profuse sweating, and hot and cold spells often are side effects of menopause, especially for the first year or two. Alternative therapies exist for the relief of menopausal symptoms in the absence of estrogen. However, scientific research has yet to determine the actual benefits or disadvantages of these products. There is anecdotal information recommending the use of vitamin E (400-800 IU) and vitamin B6 (50mg) daily for the treatment of hot flashes. This therapy, if it works, may take up to five to six weeks to have an effect. Medications such as clonidine hydrochloride (a blood pressure medication), antidepressants such as venlafaxine and trazodone may relieve this symptom. Although, soy products are gaining in popularity no one knows the ideal doses to treat hot flashes. It is also not yet clear whether soy is beneficial or harmful to patients at risk for breast cancer. Please discuss the remedies for hot flashes with your doctor or nurse before beginning any treatment.
Vaginal dryness accompanies menopause. Moisturizing lubricants such as Astroglide®, K-Y® jelly, and Replens® can relieve dryness and itching. These are available without a prescription.
Self-Care Measures:
- Ask your doctor or nurse about specific methods of treating menopausal symptoms. Many physicians believe you should avoid use of herbal remedies such as Oil of Evening Primrose® to treat hot flashes, but remedies such as vitamin E may be helpful.
