Can chemotherapy cause early menopause?

[pat m]

I had Hodgkins when I was 15 and went through 6 months of MOPP. I am 42 years old and for the past 2-3 years have experienced inconsistent periods (prior to that, ALWAYS 28 day cycle). I chalked it up to stress (due to various issues). This year has been very stressful and again my cycle is messed up. At one point this summer I had a period within 2 weeks of each other, went back to 30 days and now haven't had one since Sept. I have horrible, sudden "oh my gosh I'm so hot" and perspire to being cold. I don't sleep well, and snap at stupid stuff. Anyway, when I look it up on line it seems like perimenopause but I worry because of my cancer history. Unfortunately, I'm petrified to go to the doctors. I feel like I'm too young to be experiencing this - thoughts?????

[Cristobal Salvaje]

Happened to my mother. Maybe not the cause but definately brought menopause a lot quicker than it should have hit her

[Zoey]

Calm down, breathe and relax! It's not the end of the world if it is menopause! My mom had breast cancer and, because of the treatments and drugs, developed menopause very early as well, in her early forties. It was hell for her because she couldn't take any of the medicines that ease the symptoms because she was still in remission. You should visit your doctor and talk with him/her about what you're experiencing. Don't be afraid to go. You're not even sure that it is menopause, and if it is, it'll be ok. Try to keep everything in perspective. I know it's a big physical and psychological change to face if it is menopause, but you beat Hodgkins! You will be alright. Good luck!

[tinmuning]

During chemotherapy, women may have irregular menstrual cycles or amenorrhea (disappearance of menstrual periods). Some medications used in chemotherapy may also cause damage to the ovaries, resulting in menopausal symptoms or menopause.

Menopause may be immediate or delayed, permanent or temporary when triggered by chemotherapy. Unfortunately, there is no way to accurately determine how or when chemotherapy or other cancer treatments will affect your menstrual cycle. However, menopause is rarely a sudden response to chemotherapy. When chemotherapy treatments begin, you may notice some menopausal symptoms, but usually the symptoms are delayed for several months after treatment is started.

[pat m]

Thanks to you 3 for responding!