Menopause

During reproductive years, a woman’s ovaries produce hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. They help prepare the body for pregnancy, and also play other roles in health and wellness. During natural menopause, as a woman ages, these hormones decrease gradually, leading to menopausal symptoms.

Premenopausal women who have surgery that removes their ovaries will experience young-onset menopause. Certain chemotherapy treatments can also cause early menopause. The menopause experience is different for every woman, but typically, young-onset menopause causes more intense symptoms and side effects than natural menopause.

Many of the menopause symptoms can be improved with hormone replacement therapy. Research has shown that hormone replacement therapy after young-onset menopause is safe for most women who have never had cancer. 

Hormone replacement therapy is not safe for everyone. For women who cannot safely take hormones, there are non-hormonal options for managing menopausal symptoms and side-effects. 

It is important for women who have, or will be experiencing early-onset menopause to discuss menopausal symptoms and management with their health care team.