Management of menopause in women with breast cancer. (3rd September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vincent, A. J.
• Is Part Of: Climacteric. Volume 18:Number 5(2015:Oct.)
• Page Start: 690
• Page End: 701
• Publication Date: 2015-09-03
• Subjects: MENOPAUSE -- BREAST CANCER -- MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS -- MANAGEMENT -- NON-HORMONAL; Menopause -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Hormone therapy -- Periodicals; Menopause -- Periodicals; Estrogen Replacement Therapy -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Societies, Medical -- Periodicals; 612.665
• DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2014.996749
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-7137

Abstract

Abstract: Increasing breast cancer incidence and decreasing mortality have highlighted the importance of survivorship issues related to breast cancer. A consideration of the issues related to menopause is therefore of great importance to both women and clinicians. Menopause/menopausal symptoms, with significant negative effects on quality of life and potential long-term health impacts, may in women with breast cancer be associated with: (1) natural menopause occurring concurrently with a breast cancer diagnosis; (2) recurrence of menopausal symptoms following cessation of hormone replacement therapy; (3) treatment-induced menopause (chemotherapy, ovarian ablation/suppression) and adjuvant endocrine therapy. A variety of non-hormonal pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies have been investigated as therapeutic options for menopausal symptoms with mixed results, and ongoing research is required. This review presents a summary of the causes, common problematic symptoms of menopause (vasomotor, genitourinary and sexual dysfunction), and longer-term consequences (cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis) related to menopause. It proposes an evidenced-based multidisciplinary approach to the management of menopause/menopausal symptoms in women with breast cancer.