Navigating Menopause After Breast Cancer – Expert Care at WA Menopause Clinic

WA Menopause Clinic
Jun 13
2 min read

Breast Cancer Awareness: Menopause after Breast Cancer has its challenges

For many women, a breast cancer diagnosis brings not just the challenges of cancer treatment, but also the sudden onset or worsening of menopausal symptoms. Whether caused by chemotherapy, hormonal therapies like tamoxifen, or surgical menopause after oophorectomy, these changes can feel overwhelming—especially when treatment options are limited.

At WA Menopause Clinic, we provide specialised, evidence-based care for women navigating menopause after breast cancer. Located in Kalamunda and East Fremantle, our Perth-based doctors understand the complexity of managing menopause in cancer survivors and work closely with oncology teams to ensure safe, effective, and compassionate support.

Why Is Menopause Harder After Breast Cancer?

Women who have had breast cancer often experience more severe and longer-lasting menopausal symptoms than those going through natural menopause.

These include:

Hot flushes and night sweats
Fatigue and brain fog
Vaginal dryness and discomfort
Mood changes and sleep disruption
Loss of libido and confidence

These symptoms may result from cancer treatments that abruptly lower oestrogen levels or block hormone activity, such as:

Chemotherapy-induced menopause
Aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen
Surgical removal of ovaries
GnRH analogues for ovarian suppression

Importantly, menopausal symptoms can negatively affect quality of life, treatment adherence, and even heart and bone health in breast cancer survivors.

How WA Menopause Clinic Can Help

Unlike standard consultations that may overlook the complexity of your situation, our clinic offers one-hour menopause assessments that take into account your full medical history, cancer treatment, and personal goals. Our care is:

Non-judgmental and evidence-based
Focused on relief of symptoms and prevention of long-term risks
Coordinated with your oncologist and GP to ensure safe management

We address:

Severe hot flushes: With non-hormonal therapies like SSRIs, SNRIs, gabapentin, and lifestyle strategies
Vaginal and urogenital symptoms: Using lubricants, moisturisers, pelvic floor therapy, and when appropriate, low-dose vaginal oestrogens in discussion with your oncology team
Bone health: Through DXA scans, vitamin D optimisation, and tailored bone protection
Heart health: Supporting lifestyle change, weight management, and cardiovascular risk reduction
Emotional wellbeing: With support for mood, sleep, body image and intimacy concerns

Is Hormone Therapy Safe After Breast Cancer?

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT or HRT) is not generally recommended after breast cancer, regardless of whether your tumour was hormone-receptor positive or negative. However, each case is different. Our doctors can explain the latest research, help assess your individual risks, and provide alternatives to hormone-based therapies.

We also provide guidance on contraception post-treatment, since systemic hormonal methods are not advised, and copper IUDs may be preferred.

A Trusted Clinic for Perth Women

WA Menopause Clinic was created in response to real community need. Our team includes GPs with advanced menopause training and years of experience working with breast cancer survivors. We understand that this is not just a medical issue—it’s personal.

Our patients describe our approach as: