Natural menopause is a gradual, natural, biological transition where hormone levels slowly decline over several years.<\/p>\n
Treatments such as chemotherapy, ovarian suppression and endocrine therapies can trigger an early extreme complex menopause or cause menopause-like symptoms, including hot flushes, sleep problems, joint pain, fatigue, low mood and changes to sexual health.<\/p>\n
To better support patients, University Hospitals Sussex (UHSussex) has launched the pilot clinic within its breast service. <\/p>\n
A specialty doctor in breast surgery, Dr McFarlane said the pilot clinic was working to improve support for patients experiencing symptoms of complex menopause.<\/p>\n
“Nationally, we’re very good at screening, diagnosing cancers, operating and providing initial treatment,” she explained. <\/p>\n
“But for many women, living with the effects of treatment can continue for years.<\/p>\n
“I was having more and more conversations with patients about how they were feeling, the impact on their confidence at work, their relationships and family life.” <\/p>\n
Patients can be referred to the pilot clinic by their surgeon, breast care nurse, oncology team or GP and there are plans to develop the service across Sussex.<\/p>\n
Bowman now works with the charity Menopause and Cancer to personally try and improve support for women who have had a similar experience. <\/p>\n
“Actually being able to speak to a clinician one-on-one and have a conversation about my personal circumstances really, really helped and really made a massive difference.”<\/p>\n
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