Hi
Really struggling the last few weeks with menopause symptoms. I’m 42 and so angry that I have to deal with this earlier than I should and if I hadn’t have had breast cancer, I’d be able to have HRT which would help. I know I’m so lucky in so many ways, but I don’t recognise myself anymore and really struggling with massive mood swings. I can’t believe that we’re just expected to put up with these side effects from endocrine therapy. My breast care nurses are brilliant but I feel like I’ve tried all the advice and still feel like I’m going insane! Come on the forum in case anyone else needs a rant too or has any advice xx
6 Likes
chemo put me through menopause early aged 46, I’ve found drinking water helps to put the flush out when I’ve felt on starting, luckily I didn’t get mood swings it just all rolled in with the chemo when I was just crazy and bouncing off the walls on the chemo steroids. You could try contacting natural choice in Ashbourne ask for Stephen he is the owner and very knowledgeable but do wait till after any chemo/rads etc finished you don’t want anything interacting with your drugs that your team are giving you 
Shi xx
2 Likes
Hey, I’m 43 and in the same boat and feel the same sometimes. It’s made me really obsessed with my appearance and worried about looking and feeling old before my time. Other days I feel ok and like I can manage. The things I think help are resistance training, eating quite a keto diet (but still having treats when I want to/when I go out) and getting good sleep - easier said than done obviously! Anyway just wanted to say I feel you, sending love xxx
3 Likes
Hi, I just wanted to say I really empathise with what you have said.
Following my oncotype score it was suggested that I take Zoladex in addition to Tamoxifen. I am managing ok so far with side effects ( I started Zoladex last March and Tamoxifen in February). However there are times when I feel like I am old before my time and I find it a bit hard hearing friends talking about whether they are entering the perimenopause.
2 Likes
Hi @1980 I was 43 when I was diagnosed with a very advanced and invasive lobular BC back in 2021. They put me straight away into medically induced menopause and since then I’ve been having 3 monthly Prostap injections. I’ve still got 5 more years of Letrozole (started in 2022) and am dreading it.
The thing I am missing the most is my brain and also my libido…yes, it’s not big news but women do like to have sex too…it’s like I am a different person and am very sad… my husband is very understanding but I am feeling rather deflated…
My job involves using my brain a lot - I work for a publishing company and it’s been really challenging going back to work… it’s been a huge struggle to concentrate. The brain fog is absolutely horrendous…so yeah what I mean is I hear you but unfortunately, there are a lot more women in the same boat as us…and you are right there is not much we can do but suffer in silence…at least we can vent here on this forum which has been such a great help to me and I am sure many others!!!
Take care. Xxx
2 Likes
Was the same for me too at 47. I already have an autoimmune disease, so trying to juggle the toxins and side effects of chemo, next to my other drugs, was something I personally wasn’t prepared for, but the only positive out of this i found, was no more worrying about periods, which probably is the only good thing about menopause. I am a family of 6 girls. 4 of us including my late mother had/died of breast cancer, so HRT was out of the question for those of us surviving siblings.
I don’t really have any advice, because I’m still trying to work with a GP to balance the menopause versus my Lupus, but I hope yours settles down soon or at least it gets more manageable.
Good luck.
3 Likes
Thank you so much for all the replies. It really helps and is massively appreciated xx
1 Like
Hi, my daughter is just 30 and has been put into a hibernated menopause. She is having mood swings and is struggling with this alongside her chemo. I’m really sorry you’re finding it hard, but please try to remember a lot of women go naturally into menopause in their 40’s anyway. (I was done with periods at 42 myself). Please concentrate on your cancer treatment and focus on getting through it and coming out at the other end. Wishing you all the best wishes.
1 Like