How can I deal with menopausal symptoms caused by treatment?

Q: How can I deal with menopausal symptoms caused by treatment? 

A: The surgical removal of your ovaries, some types of chemotherapy, and anti-estrogen treatments may send you into menopause, causing various discomforts. For hot flashes, a variety of medications can be used. If your cancer is receptive to estrogen, you can't use hormone therapy, but other options--such as certain antidepressants, antiseizure, and blood pressure medications--might help.

Nonmedical actions include dressing in layers so you can cool down easily; avoiding caffeine and alcohol; taking deep, calming breaths; and maintaining an exercise routine will help minimize hot flashes. Vaginal dryness or pain during sex may be overcome with lubricants and creams or local hormone treatments, which deliver estrogen only to the vaginal area. Talk with your health care team about which solutions might be best for you.
--Kathy Newman, RN, BSN

Find out more about vaginal dryness.