HOLISTIC STRATEGIES CAN HELP ALLEVIATE SYMPTOMS This article has been developed and paid for by Lilly and authored by Lucy Blake, Senior Medical Education Associate, Lilly Breast cancer treatment and the menopause Typical menopausal effects can be an unexpected challenge to people who choose hormonal therapies, but there are strategies that can help B reast cancer affects millions of people worldwide. While there are many treatments available, hormonal therapies are often used to treat breast cancer that is oestrogen positive. These hormonal therapies work by reducing the levels or effects of oestrogen, which can lead to menopausal symptoms. Oestrogen positive breast cancer develops when oestrogen binds to the oestrogen receptors, causing the breast cancer cells to grow. Hormonal therapies can either block the oestrogen receptors or prevent the production of oestrogen by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, preventing the breast cancer cells from growing. Chemical or surgically induced menopause is different from naturally occurring menopause as it is artificially brought on by treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapies. This can happen in both oestrogen positive and oestrogen negative breast cancer due to the treatments and can be temporary or permanent in breast cancer patients following the completion of their treatment.