Do you need a referral for menopause management after cancer?

Your oncology team or primary care clinician can often begin the conversation and refer you to gynaecology, a menopause service or survivorship care when specialist input is appropriate. Some clinics accept direct bookings but still need cancer and medicine details.

Cancer treatment can bring menopause forward or intensify symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep disruption, vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, mood changes and concentration difficulties. Other medical conditions and medicines can produce overlapping symptoms, so assessment helps identify what needs attention.

Management may use non-hormonal measures, local treatments, medicines or hormone-based treatment in selected circumstances. The safe and suitable choices depend on factors including the cancer type, whether it was sensitive to hormones, current cancer therapy, clotting history and your main symptoms. Do not start hormones or supplements without checking for interactions and suitability.

Ask the clinic whether self-referral is accepted and whether it has experience supporting people after cancer. If it needs a clinician's request, ask your oncology or primary care team to include the cancer diagnosis, operations, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, current endocrine therapy and any reason hormones have been discouraged.

Keep a short symptom record noting triggers, sleep effects, vaginal or urinary symptoms and how daily life is affected. Bring a complete list of prescribed medicines, non-prescription products and supplements. Continue cancer medicines as directed while seeking help; side effects can be discussed without stopping treatment on your own.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for unexpected vaginal bleeding after periods have stopped, bleeding after sex, a new pelvic mass, persistent pelvic pain or a marked change in bladder or bowel function. These symptoms should be evaluated rather than attributed to menopause without examination.

Seek urgent help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, fainting, signs of a severe allergic reaction or thoughts of harming yourself. If symptoms began after a new medicine, contact the prescribing team and describe the medicine, timing and reaction.

Ask which symptoms fit menopause and whether another cause needs checking. Clarify which non-hormonal and local options suit you, whether any proposed product interacts with cancer therapy, how vaginal and urinary symptoms can be treated, what support is available for sexual wellbeing and how response to treatment will be reviewed.