By Dr. Milad Hilli, Livi GP and Menopause Specialist
October marks Menopause Awareness Month, and as both a GP and someone who experienced medical menopause at just 27, I want to share my story with the many women facing similar journeys across the UK.
When Life Changes Everything
At 26, I was diagnosed with lymphoma, a blood cancer that would completely reshape my understanding of women's health. After months of aggressive chemotherapy, including a trial immunotherapy drug and stem cell transplant, I found myself in medically induced menopause. The treatment that saved my life had damaged my ovaries beyond repair.
As a GP, I thought I understood menopause. I was wrong.
When my periods didn't return after my second round of treatment, the reality hit me: I knew embarrassingly little about something that affects half the population. If I, as a medical professional, felt unprepared for this transition, how must other women feel?
The Hidden Reality of Medical and Surgical Menopause
Medical menopause affects thousands of UK women annually. Unlike natural menopause, which typically occurs between 45-55, medical menopause can happen at any age due to:
- Cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy)
- Surgical removal of ovaries
- Certain medications
- Autoimmune conditions.
According to Cancer Research UK, over 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, many of whom will experience treatment-related menopause. Yet this significant population often feels overlooked in menopause conversations.
Symptoms Hit Differently
Medical menopause symptoms can be more severe and sudden than natural menopause. When your oestrogen levels plummet overnight rather than gradually declining, your body struggles to adapt. I experienced:
- Severe brain fog (I genuinely feared my cancer had spread to my brain)
- Hot flashes that felt overwhelming
- Joint pain I'd never experienced
- Mood changes that caught me off-guard
- Sleep disturbances that affected everything.
The psychological impact cannot be understated. Facing mortality through cancer, then immediately confronting premature menopause, felt like losing my future twice over.
When HRT Isn't an Option
Many women in medical menopause face additional challenges. Those with hormone-sensitive cancers may be advised against HRT, leaving them wondering what options remain.
The good news? There are alternatives:
Symptom-specific treatments:
- SSRIs (antidepressants) can reduce hot flashes by up to 60%
- Gabapentin helps with both hot flashes and sleep
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) shows remarkable effectiveness for menopausal symptoms.
Lifestyle interventions:
- Regular exercise (particularly weight-bearing for bone health)
- Mediterranean-style diet rich in phytoestrogens
- Stress management techniques
- Adequate vitamin D and calcium.
Finding Hope in Expertise
My experience sparked a passion for menopause medicine. I pursued specialist training in North America and the UK, obtaining my menopause certification because I refused to let other women navigate this journey uninformed.
Today, through platforms like Livi, I can reach women across the UK who need specialist menopause support. Whether you're experiencing natural perimenopause or facing medical menopause like I did, expert help is available.
Your Next Steps
If you're experiencing menopausal symptoms, especially following medical treatment or surgery:
- Document your symptoms - keep a diary of what you're experiencing
- Don't suffer in silence - medical menopause requires specialist support
- Explore all options - even if HRT isn't suitable, alternatives exist
- Connect with specialists - through services like Livi's you can access expert care from home.
Remember, you don't have to navigate this alone. Medical menopause may feel isolating, but thousands of women share this experience. With proper support and treatment, you can reclaim your quality of life.
To book a consultation about menopause with a Livi clinician, simply download the app and book an appointment. Support and expert care are just a click away.
Dr. Milad Hilli is a GP and certified menopause specialist practicing with Livi. She combines clinical expertise with personal experience to provide comprehensive menopause care for women across the UK.
