New Sussex NHS clinic for severe menopause after cancer

Natural menopause is a gradual, natural, biological transition where hormone levels slowly decline over several years.

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.

To better support patients, University Hospitals Sussex (UHSussex) has launched the pilot clinic within its breast service.

A specialty doctor in breast surgery, Dr McFarlane said the pilot clinic was working to improve support for patients experiencing symptoms of complex menopause.

“Nationally, we’re very good at screening, diagnosing cancers, operating and providing initial treatment,” she explained.

“But for many women, living with the effects of treatment can continue for years.

“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.”

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.

Bowman now works with the charity Menopause and Cancer to personally try and improve support for women who have had a similar experience.

“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.”

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, external, X, external, and on Instagram, external and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.