For many, menopause is a midlife transition. But for actor and cancer survivor Lisa Ray—and thousands of women undergoing chemotherapy—it arrives far earlier, with little warning and even less conversation.
Ray recently shared her story on Instagram, and her honesty struck a chord. “This is me in menopause,” she wrote. “Menopause does not have one face… I went into premature chemo-induced menopause at 37.”
“At that time, it was the least of my worries. I had a blood cancer called Multiple Myeloma to contend with… But after recovering, I could focus on what being in menopause suddenly at 37 would mean. And I had no one to talk to,” Lisa added. At 53, she’s now choosing to speak up—not just for herself but for everyone navigating this unspoken terrain.
What is chemo-induced menopause?
“Chemotherapy-induced menopause is a significant and life-altering consequence for many women,” explains Dr Chetna Jain, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurgaon. Chemotherapy doesn’t just target cancer cells; it also harms healthy, fast-dividing cells—including those in the ovaries. The result? The ovaries stop producing hormones like estrogen and progesterone, pushing the body into sudden menopause.
This condition is also known as iatrogenic menopause or chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure. For some, the change is temporary. For others—especially women over 40—it can be permanent. Women under 30 are more likely to see their periods return after treatment, but each case varies.
The symptoms—and the silence
Chemo-induced menopause can hit hard. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, vaginal dryness, and loss of libido are common. Beyond the symptoms, the emotional impact can be just as intense—especially for younger women who weren’t expecting to face menopause for decades.
“Both menopause and disease-induced menopause have been treated with shame and silence for too long,” Lisa wrote. It’s that silence that she’s now breaking.
Menopause is becoming more accepted, with increased awareness and recommendations for public education, affordable treatments, and flexible work arrangements.
Navigating the change: What helps
Dr Jain stresses the importance of early diagnosis and personalised care. “Gynecologists play a key role in offering support, symptom relief, and fertility guidance,” she says. Here’s how many women manage this sudden shift:
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- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): When it’s safe (i.e., not contraindicated in hormone-sensitive cancers), HRT can ease symptoms and protect bone and heart health.
- Non-hormonal options: Medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, and gabapentin can ease hot flashes, while vaginal moisturisers and lubricants help with dryness.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Regular exercise, a calcium- and vitamin D-rich diet, weight management, and stress reduction go a long way.
- Fertility guidance: Egg or embryo freezing before treatment, and follow-up with a fertility specialist afterward, can help preserve the dream of parenthood.
The shift into menopause—especially early—isn’t just physical. It affects self-image, relationships, and mental health.
But the more we talk, the more women can find comfort, clarity, and strength. As Lisa puts it, “Maybe that’s why I am talking now at 53 and embracing the authenticity that comes at this age.”
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
