management of menopausal symptoms following early invasive breast cancer

Last edited 06/2023 and last reviewed 06/2023

Menopausal symptoms following management of early breast cancer:

  • discontinue hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women who are diagnosed with breast cancer
  • HRT (including oestrogen/progestogen combination) should not be offered routinely to women with menopausal symptoms and a history of breast cancer
    • in exceptional circumstances, offer HRT to women with severe menopausal symptoms and a history of breast cancer after a discussion of the associated risks
  • consider selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants for women with breast cancer for relieving menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes, but not for those taking tamoxifen
  • soy (isoflavone), red clover, black cohosh, vitamin E and magnetic devices are not recommended for the treatment of menopausal symptoms in women with breast cancer

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