Using menopausal hormone therapy after a cancer diagnosis in Ireland

BACKGROUND: Menopause may cause a constellation of symptoms that affect quality of life. Many women will have menopause induced or exacerbated by treatment for cancer whether that be through surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or anti-endocrine therapy. As treatments advance, the number of people living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis is set to increase over the coming years meaning more people will be dealing with the after effects of cancer and its treatment. AIMS: This review aims to summarise available data to guide clinicians treating women with menopausal symptoms after the common cancer diagnoses encountered in Ireland. The use of menopausal hormone therapy is discussed as well as non-hormonal and non-pharmacological options. CONCLUSIONS: Managing menopausal symptoms is an important consideration for all physicians involved in the care of people living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. High-quality data may not be available to guide treatment decisions, and, thus, it is essential to take into account the impact of the symptoms on quality of life as well as the likelihood of recurrence in each individual case.