Psychological impact of menopause in young women with breast cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the psychological consequences of experiences of early menopause in young women with breast cancer
IRAS ID
362854
Contact name
Katie Gormley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of East Anglia
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 19 days
Research summary
This research explores how young women aged 18 to 45 experience early menopause brought on by breast cancer treatment. Many breast cancer treatments, while essential for survival, can stop the body from producing hormones. This can trigger early menopause, which may lead to symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, joint pain, and tiredness. These symptoms can last for years and deeply affect day-to-day life.
For younger women, early menopause can be particularly difficult. It often comes suddenly, leaving little time to prepare emotionally. It can affect how women feel about their bodies, sense of self and plans for the future, especially around relationships, fertility and having children. These challenges are made harder by the fact that support services and public discussions about menopause usually focus on older women. As a result, younger women can feel isolated, misunderstood, or overlooked.
This study will involve interviews with young women who have had breast cancer and are now living with early menopause. By listening to their experiences, the research will explore how they make sense of their journey, how their emotions and identities have changed and how they manage the ongoing effects of treatment.
The goal is to understand what psychological support these women need and how healthcare services can better meet those needs. The findings will be shared with NHS teams and cancer organisations to help improve care. By giving these women a voice, the research hopes to influence services to be more inclusive, sensitive and supportive.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0078
Date of REC Opinion
25 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion