Medically Induced Menopause: What To Know

Menopause is a natural phase of life for most women, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. But for some, menopause doesn’t arrive gradually — it’s medically induced. Whether triggered by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy, medically induced menopause can be a sudden and often jarring experience. For patients navigating this transition, understanding why it happens, what to expect and how to manage symptoms is essential.

What is medically induced menopause?

Medically induced menopause is a situation in which medical treatments stop your ovaries from making hormones, bringing on menopause earlier than it would happen naturally. Unlike natural menopause, which unfolds over time, medically induced menopause can occur abruptly. This leads to a rapid drop in the production of several hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other androgens. Rapid changes in hormone levels can lead to more intense menopause symptoms.

“It’s like flipping a switch,” says Lauren Oshry, M.D., a breast medical oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System. “Patients don’t get the gradual hormonal decline that comes with natural menopause. Instead, they’re suddenly dealing with hot flashes, mood swings and other symptoms without warning.”

Why would menopause be medically induced?

Sometimes, medically induced menopause is simply a side effect of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation. Other times, it’s an intentional part of treatment, or a way to lower an individual’s risk of cancer.

There are several reasons why a health care team may recommend medically induced menopause:

• Cancer treatment: For hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer, suppressing estrogen and progesterone can help prevent recurrence. This is often achieved through medications or surgical removal of the ovaries. Removal of both ovaries immediately induces menopause. Medications such as tamoxifen — which blocks estrogen’s action in breast tissue and some other areas of the body — do not always induce menopause. They’re more likely to do so in women who are within a few years of natural menopause.

• Genetic cancer risk: Women with certain hereditary gene mutations may choose preventive surgery that removes their ovaries to reduce their risk of ovarian or breast cancer.

• Endometriosis: In severe cases of endometriosis, inducing menopause can be the only way to alleviate chronic pain and inflammation.

• Fibroids or heavy menstrual bleeding: When other treatments fail, menopause may be induced to stop menstruation and reduce symptoms.

In the case of breast cancer survivor Roxana Chaviano, medically induced menopause was part of her treatment plan. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, she began monthly hormone injections that suppress her ovaries’ production of estrogen, progesterone and androgens. That led to medically induced menopause.

“It was a lot to take in,” Roxana says. “I wasn’t just dealing with cancer. I was suddenly in menopause at 30.”

What side effects come with medically induced menopause?

The side effects of medically induced menopause mirror those of natural menopause, but often arrive more abruptly and intensely.

Common side effects include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intimacy
• Mood changes, anxiety or depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Decreased libido
• Cognitive changes like brain fog
• Bone density loss and increased risk of osteoporosis
• Cardiovascular changes due to estrogen loss

“Patients often tell me they feel like their bodies betrayed them,” Dr. Oshry says. “It’s not just physical — it’s emotional. Especially for younger women, the loss of fertility and hormonal shifts can be overwhelming.”

How can you manage medically induced menopause?

While this transition can be challenging, there are strategies patients can use to cope and even thrive:

1. Talk to your health care team early.

Before starting treatment that might cause medically induced menopause, ask about the possibility. Discuss fertility preservation options, such as egg retrieval, and make a plan for managing symptoms.

“Planning ahead is key,” says Dr. Oshry. “We want patients to feel empowered, not blindsided.”

2. Focus on your bone health.

Estrogen helps maintain bone density. Without it, bones can weaken. Calcium and vitamin D supplements and weight-bearing exercise are important preventive measures. Regular bone-density scans can alert you to bone loss in its early stages. And nonhormonal medications may be used to prevent or treat osteoporosis in some cases.

3. Focus on your sexual and genitourinary health.

Menopause has significant sexual side effects, as well as side effects that can lead to urinary issues. These can include vaginal dryness, pain during sex, frequent urinary tract infections, urinary urgency and more. Traditionally, women’s sexual health has not been prioritized, and many woman are not used to discussing these concerns during medical visits. But symptoms can be improved; treatment options include moisturizers, lubricants and, in some cases, pelvic floor therapy.

Sylvester’s MUSIC — Menopause Urogenital Sexual Health and Intimacy Clinic — program specifically addresses these concerns in cancer survivors.

4. Protect your heart.

Estrogen also supports cardiovascular health. Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol, and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.

5. Stay active.

Exercise has tremendous benefits for bone health, heart health, cognition, mood, and many other aspects of menopause (whether it’s natural or medically induced). Experts typically recommend a combination of aerobic and strength-training activities for women in menopause. Sylvester’s Believe in You training and wellness program, and exercise oncology experts can help cancer survivors get started with or boost their exercise routines.

6. Seek emotional support.

Therapy, support groups and peer networks can help you process the emotional impact of early menopause. Roxana found comfort in community breast cancer groups, where she connected with others facing similar challenges.

7. Stay informed.

Empower yourself by understanding your body, your treatment options and ways to alleviate side effects of medically induced menopause. Ask questions, read reliable resources and stay engaged in your care.

Consider menopause a new chapter in your life (whether or not it’s medically induced).

Medically induced menopause marks a significant shift in a person’s life, but it doesn’t have to be a negative one. With the right support, patients can adapt and thrive.

“Menopause — whether natural or medically induced — is a transition, not an ending,” says Dr. Oshry. “It’s our job to help patients move through it with confidence, compassion and clarity.”

AI-assisted. Edited by Rochelle Broder-Singer. Medically approved by Dr. Oshry.

Tags: Dr. Lauren Oshry, Non-hormonal menopause treatments, Ovarian function suppression