Health and Me

Ishita Roy

'I Went Into Chemo-induced Menopause At 37', Says Lisa Ray About Her Cancer Journey And Its Side Effects

"I went into chemo-induced <span>menopause</span> at 37," said <span>Lisa Ray</span>, a Canadian actress during an interview with <em>BBC</em>. She also shared the clip of the interview on her Instagram account talking about the importance of awareness about the side effects of cancer and its treatment on women. Sharing the clip on her Instagram story, she wrote "This is me in menopause. Menopause does not have one face...I went into premature chemo-induced menopause at 37."

She revealed that she had <span>blood cancer</span>, called Multiple Myeloma. "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," said Lisa, now 53. 

<h2>What Is Chemo-induced Menopause?</h2>

Chemotherapy do not just target cancer cells, but it can also harm healthy cells, which are fast diving. Ovaries fall into that category and thus they stop producing hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which pushes the body into sudden menopause. 

This condition is called iatrogenic menopause or chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure. While it could be temporary for some people, for others, it could be permanent. Experts explain that women under 30 could see their periods return after the treatment. 

Chemotherapy works by attacking cells that grow and divide rapidly. While this helps destroy cancer cells, it also affects healthy cells, such as those responsible for hair growth, which is why hair loss is a common side effect.

This process can also impact reproductive organs, including the ovaries, and disrupt hormone production. As a result, levels of estrogen and progesterone—the key hormones involved in menopause—may become imbalanced due to chemotherapy’s effects on the endocrine system.

Damage to cells and these hormonal shifts can trigger menopausal symptoms and, in some cases, cause periods to stop altogether.

For people over 40, hormone levels may already be naturally declining. In such cases, chemotherapy can accelerate a menopausal transition that has already begun.

<h2>Chemo-induced Menopause Symptoms</h2>

The symptoms are same as one experiences in natural menopause, which include:

<ul><li>Hot flashes</li><li>Night sweats</li><li>Mood swings</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Vaginal dryness</li><li>Loss of libido</li></ul>

However, Lisa also points out the emotional impact, which could be intense especially for someone who is young and was not expecting to face menopause for decades. “Both menopause and disease-induced menopause have been treated with shame and silence for too long,” Lisa wrote on her Instagram post. 

<h2>Chemo-induced Menopause: What Can Help?</h2>

<strong>Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):</strong> When considered safe and not restricted by hormone-sensitive cancers, HRT can help manage symptoms while supporting bone strength and heart health.

<strong>Non-hormonal treatments: </strong>Certain medications, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and gabapentin, may reduce hot flashes, while vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can relieve dryness.

<strong>Lifestyle changes: </strong>Staying physically active, following a calcium and vitamin D-rich diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress can significantly support overall wellbeing.

<strong>Fertility support:</strong> Options such as egg or embryo freezing before treatment, along with consultations with a fertility specialist afterward, may help preserve future parenthood possibilities.

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"I went into chemo-induced menopause at 37," said Lisa Ray, a Canadian actress during an interview with BBC. She also shared the clip of the interview on her Instagram account talking about the importance of awareness about the side effects of cancer and its treatment on women. Sharing the clip on her Instagram story, she wrote "This is me in menopause. Menopause does not have one face...I went into premature chemo-induced menopause at 37."She revealed that she had blood cancer, called Multiple Myeloma. "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," said Lisa, now 53. What Is Chemo-induced Menopause?Chemotherapy do not just target cancer cells, but it can also harm healthy cells, which are fast diving. Ovaries fall into that category and thus they stop producing hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which pushes the body into sudden menopause. This condition is called iatrogenic menopause or chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure. While it could be temporary for some people, for others, it could be permanent. Experts explain that women under 30 could see their periods return after the treatment. Chemotherapy works by attacking cells that grow and divide rapidly. While this helps destroy cancer cells, it also affects healthy cells, such as those responsible for hair growth, which is why hair loss is a common side effect.This process can also impact reproductive organs, including the ovaries, and disrupt hormone production. As a result, levels of estrogen and progesterone—the key hormones involved in menopause—may become imbalanced due to chemotherapy’s effects on the endocrine system.Damage to cells and these hormonal shifts can trigger menopausal symptoms and, in some cases, cause periods to stop altogether.For people over 40, hormone levels may already be naturally declining. In such cases, chemotherapy can accelerate a menopausal transition that has already begun.Chemo-induced Menopause SymptomsThe symptoms are same as one experiences in natural menopause, which include:Hot flashesNight sweatsMood swingsFatigueVaginal drynessLoss of libidoHowever, Lisa also points out the emotional impact, which could be intense especially for someone who is young and was not expecting to face menopause for decades. “Both menopause and disease-induced menopause have been treated with shame and silence for too long,” Lisa wrote on her Instagram post. Chemo-induced Menopause: What Can Help?Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): When considered safe and not restricted by hormone-sensitive cancers, HRT can help manage symptoms while supporting bone strength and heart health.Non-hormonal treatments: Certain medications, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and gabapentin, may reduce hot flashes, while vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can relieve dryness.Lifestyle changes: Staying physically active, following a calcium and vitamin D-rich diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress can significantly support overall wellbeing.Fertility support: Options such as egg or embryo freezing before treatment, along with consultations with a fertility specialist afterward, may help preserve future parenthood possibilities.