Women going through the change of life, otherwise known as “menopause”, will
begin to experience changes in the body, as normal levels of estrogen are no
longer produced. Menopause is actually broken down by early menopause and
menopause or post-menopause. During the early stage, monthly periods will
fluctuate, moodiness, insomnia, and other symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and joint pain will be experienced. Then once the woman no longer has a
period for 12 consecutive months, she goes into the second stage. In this
article, we will talk specifically how leukemia and early menopause are linked.
Early menopause can be caused by several things. Leukemia and early menopause is
just one example. While the actual disease does not cause the menopause, the
chemotherapy does. Chemotherapy is the process of cancer-killing drugs being
used intravenously or orally. When given for leukemia the drug is used in a
number of ways because of the many different forms of the disease. However,
leukemia typically requires a combination of chemotherapy along with other
anticancer drugs. Together, the drugs work to destroy cancer cells, preventing
them from growing and dividing.
The problem is that with this type of treatment, some of the body’s
non-cancerous cells are also affected, specifically the white blood cells,
blood-clotting platelets, hair follicles, and the cells lining the
gastrointestinal system. When this occurs, the cells are either damaged or
destroyed. For leukemia and early menopause, when the woman is given
chemotherapy, the normal menstrual cycle can change. In addition, some of the
medications used in chemotherapy can cause serious damage to the ovaries, which
can cause menopausal symptoms.
The thing with leukemia and early menopause is that the chemotherapy can
cause immediate menopausal problems or the symptoms might be delayed. In
addition, the symptoms of menopause could simply be temporary, meaning after
chemotherapy treatment the body returns to having a normal cycle or it could be
permanent. When you look at chemotherapy and early menopause, there is no actual
way to determine how or when the menstrual cycle will be affected since it
varies depending on the drugs used, the concentration of the drug, and the
woman’s own body.
Now, for the women dealing with leukemia and early menopause, life can be
frustrating. Not only is she battling the cancer but also the change of life,
even if at a young age. The good news is that seldom will the woman be thrust
into menopause suddenly, although it can happen. Typically, once chemotherapy
starts, she will notice slight menopausal symptoms to include fluctuating
periods, minor hot flashes, and so on. Then after several months after treatment
starting, she will begin to notice more and more symptoms.
Just as the normal process of menopause varies from one woman to another,
chemotherapy for leukemia will also vary early menopause symptoms. For example,
one woman may skip a period or begin to have more cycles per month while another
woman has longer periods, or the woman may have lighter or heavier flows.
Therefore, trying to determine the exact outcome is near impossible. The most
important aspect of leukemia and early menopause is that if you notice that
things simply do not seem right or you have any concern whatsoever, you should
talk to your doctor.
As far as the leukemia and early menopause symptoms, once you get past
the first few months, you will likely begin to experience hot flashes, which
will come on suddenly and produce the sensation of intense heat from about the
chest up to the top of the head. These hot flashes usually last 30 to 45 seconds
although they can last longer. To reduce the symptoms of hot flashes, you want
to avoid being out in hot weather, stress, spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine.
If the hot flashes become too much to bear, you might try taking Dong Quai, or a
combination of Black Cohosh, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Dealing with leukemia and early menopause is definitely a challenge but
certainly possible. You would expect to be going through a lot of emotional
change so it is important that you have exceptional support from family and
friends. However, you should expect to experience things such as irritability,
aggressiveness, loss of energy, no motivation, headaches, anxiety, mood swings,
depression, insomnia, and nervousness. Although frustrating, you have options to
help ease the symptoms. For help, you might talk to your doctor about a mild
antidepressant or look into some of your natural herbal remedies.
If you are dealing with leukemia and early menopause, it is essential that you
keep your body nourished with a good, well balanced diet. This means sticking to
foods low in carbohydrates, lean meats, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and
whole grains. You will also need to get as much rest as possible. If you have
trouble sleeping, again talk to your doctor or consider taking natural Kava
Kava. Finally, although you might not feel like vigorous exercise, try to take a
walk whenever possible. This is the time to be good to your body and to your
mind. Surround yourself with people who offer lots of love and support and just
remember that this will pass.
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substitute for your own physician's advice.
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