A new pilot clinic has opened in Brighton to help breast cancer patients manage complex menopause, a condition characterized by sudden and severe symptoms triggered by medical treatments. The clinic at the Royal Sussex County Hospital aims to improve aftercare for women who experience debilitating effects long after their initial cancer treatment concludes.
Complex menopause occurs abruptly due to interventions like chemotherapy, ovarian suppression, or endocrine therapies. Unlike natural menopause, which is a gradual biological transition, this medically induced form offers the body no time to adapt. Rachel Bowman, who experienced complex menopause at age 46 immediately after starting breast cancer treatment, described the onset as "horrific." She reported experiencing 20 to 30 hot flushes daily after receiving an ovarian suppressant injection, a stark contrast to the day before. "I could barely move. I could barely stand up straight. It was terrible," Bowman stated.
Dr. Renske McFarlane, who leads the pilot clinic and is a specialty doctor in breast surgery at University Hospitals Sussex (UHSussex), noted that while cancer screening, diagnosis, and initial treatment are robust, the long-term effects of treatment can persist 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," Dr. McFarlane explained. She emphasized the need for enhanced support in this area.
The pilot clinic, launched within UHSussex's breast service, is working to better support patients experiencing complex menopause symptoms, which can include hot flushes, sleep disturbances, joint pain, fatigue, low mood, and changes in sexual health. Patients can be referred to the clinic by their surgeon, breast care nurse, oncology team, or general practitioner. Plans are underway to expand the service across Sussex.
Bowman, who now collaborates with the charity Menopause and Cancer to advocate for better support, found personalized clinical consultation to be highly beneficial. "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," she said.