05/08/2026
Five things I would ask my doctor before starting cancer treatments that could cause early menopause:
✨ Baseline bone density: abrupt estrogen loss damages bones.
✨ Baseline cardiovascular risk assessment including my female specific risk factors. Cancer treatments increase cardiovascular risk; manage lipids and consider a preventive cardiologist.
✨ Discuss how to lean into lifestyle medicine pillars including exercise, nutrition, sleep, and social support.
✨ Proactive vaginal hormones: there is no reason to wait for GSM to develop.
✨ A proactive plan for vasomotor symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia. Don’t just “tough it out”as sleep is crucial for immune health and overall well being.
We know what is going to happen with prolonged early estrogen deprivation. Why are we waiting for suffering? Don’t be afraid to speak up.