Maggie's joins Westminster discussion focussed on cancer treatment-induced crash menopause

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Menopause, chaired by Carolyn Harris MP, held a roundtable discussion on the debilitating impact of ‘crash menopause’, which can occur as a result of cancer treatment.

Crash menopause is the sudden onset of menopausal symptoms following changes in oestrogen and testosterone levels. 

It can lead to a range of symptoms, including hot flushes, brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, joint or bone pain, making life during and after cancer even more challenging.

Experts in the field attended the APPG meeting. Representatives from Maggie’s, including Lisa Punt, our Maggie's Cambridge centre head and menopause expert and Wellbeing of Women, attended the session alongside the British Menopause Society and the British Gynaecological Society, as well as Dr Phillipa Kaye, a GP who has been treated for cancer and has a special interest in women’s health.

Our recent research carried out by OnePoll*, revealed that two-thirds of the public said they did not know that cancer treatment can cause early onset ‘crash menopause’. 

It is vital that we raise awareness of the support available

Carolyn Harris MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Menopause, said: "Treatment-induced crash menopause can be devastating for women with cancer. At a time when they are already feeling frightened and isolated, most won’t be prepared for these early menopause symptoms, triggered by their treatment. 

"It is vital that we change that and shine a light on the support and resources that are available for women in this situation. 

"That is why it was so important to hold this APPG session, bringing together experts, campaigners, and those with lived experience, so that women facing crash menopause know that they are not alone.

"I am delighted to be working with Maggie’s on this, a charity that so many turn to when they receive their diagnosis, their pioneering menopause workshops make a huge difference to women, helping them to understand what is happening and to know that the care and support they need is there for them.”

Priya's story

Priya, 40, from Nottingham, first came to Maggie’s in 2023 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

She attended the APPG on Tuesday to share her personal story of experiencing crash menopause, triggered by her cancer treatment.

Priya said: “When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I was relieved to be having an operation to get the cancer out of my body. 

"I had been informed that the hormone treatment I needed might mean I would go into early menopause, but I did not think for a moment that it could be as severe as it was. 

"The bone pain, fatigue and memory loss were horrendous, and once I felt I had got on top of one symptom, another would appear.

“Maggie’s has helped me a lot – the menopause workshop taught me about non-hormonal options to manage the symptoms because I’m not allowed HRT. 

"I also took part in the Where Now? course, which helped me get back to myself a bit after treatment.”

Raising awareness of crash menopause

In October, we launched a new campaign to raise awareness of crash menopause, a little-known but often debilitating side effect of cancer treatments. 

The campaign includes support and information on common symptoms and how to manage them, a short film with NHS leaders, celebrities and TV doctors encouraging people to “keep the conversation going about crash menopause.”

Learn more about our campaign.

Here with you 

Dame Laura Lee DBE, our Chief Executive, said: “Crash menopause can be brutal for so many women who are already going through cancer - yet awareness is frighteningly low, so this campaign really matters. 

“Menopause was once a taboo topic which nobody discussed but now we have many celebrities shining a light on the subject - we need to do the same for ‘crash menopause’ - we want to let people know we are here with them during cancer treatment and all it brings, including ‘crash menopause’.

“If we keep the conversation going through our campaign and by taking part in the upcoming APPG on Crash Menopause and Cancer, more women, and their friends and families, will be able to identify the signs and symptoms and get the help they need. 

"Whether that is psychological support or help to understand what it might mean for their fertility, or to protect their longer-term health. 

"If you or a family member or friend is going through crash menopause as a result of cancer treatment - please come forward and get support from Maggie's - no one needs to go through this alone.”

Helping people feel less alone

Lisa Punt, lead clinician on Maggie’s menopause workshops across the UK and Centre Head at Maggie’s Cambridge, added: 

“The incredible clinical advances in cancer treatment mean more people live beyond and alongside a cancer diagnosis.

"The impact on quality of life and emotional well-being following a treatment-induced menopause can be long lasting and, for some traumatic. 

At Maggie’s our focus is to help people feel less alone and give them the advice and information needed to support them through the changes they can face.”

Maggie’s has a whole host of great support available

Dr Sue Mann, National Clinical Director of Women's Health for the NHS in England said: “The way we talk about the menopause has improved massively in recent years with more women feeling empowered to share their experiences, but with growing numbers of people being diagnosed with cancer, it’s important we also raise awareness of crash menopause – a lesser-known side effect of some treatments.

“It can be really difficult for women who experience early onset menopause on top of having cancer, but they are not alone – the NHS provides help for women alongside their cancer treatment and Maggie’s has a whole host of great support available, including their in-person and virtual menopause groups and online advice. 

"If we keep talking, we can help more women to access support and face these changes together.”

How we can help

Whatever kind of cancer, whatever stage you're at, Maggie's is here with you.

Our expert staff are here to listen to your concerns and find the help you need wherever you are – over the phone and online.

There are men’s support groups on offer, as well as specific cancer type groups, exercise, nutrition and one to one support with a psychologist.

If you or anyone you know has cancer, they can just come into any of the centres, there is no need for a referral or appointment.

• Find your nearest Maggie's centre 
• Call us on 0300 123 180 
• Email us at enquiries@maggies.org 
• Our phone lines and centres are open  Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

*OnePoll online survey commissioned by Maggie’s of 2,000 UK adults nationally representative on the basis of age, gender and region. This survey was sponsored by Theramex, a pharmaceutical company dedicated to women’s health.