Women experience menopause in their 40s or 50s. It commences a year after the last menstrual period, which unfortunately signifies the end of a woman’s ability to conceive. This leads to reduced production of hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen. To add to this, women in the menopausal age are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. 

Read on to know about the symptoms of breast cancer in menopausal women.

1. Hot flashes
It is one of the key menopausal symptoms of breast cancer and might even be experienced when undergoing breast cancer treatment. Hot flashes may be caused by treatment, such as hormone endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, or ovarian suspension. Generally speaking, a hot flash may range from a mild warming sensation on the face and across the body. A few women might even experience a drenching sweat, which may affect the whole of their body. Hot flashes frequency may differ for different women and go from a few every hour to a couple in a day.

2. Night sweats
At times, some women experience hot flashes at night, which may hamper their sleep quality and wake them up from their slumber in a damp bed. In some cases, the condition is so bad that they may have to change the linen immediately.

3. Vaginal dryness
Women with breast cancer or those who are undergoing treatment for the condition may experience vaginal dryness. If not treated timely, it might aggravate. Thus, it is vital to treat it at the earliest. 

4. Stress, anxiety, and mood changes
At times, breast cancer might also leave one feeling stressed or anxious. Sometimes, these feelings may be associated with depression and mood swings. Before the situation goes out of hand, it is recommended to speak to a mental health expert.

5. Intimacy issues
When one experiences other menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and night sweats, it will also directly impact their sex drive. Consequently, it may even hamper any existing and new relationships and result in intimacy issues. 

6. Bladder problems
Another common symptom of breast cancer in menopausal women is bladder issues. It involves developing a urinary tract infection, passing urine more frequently. 

7. Weight gain
Weight gain, especially around the abdomen, is prevalent both during menopause and during cancer treatment.

8. Osteoporosis and joint pain
Aching joints or joint pain is also one of the key side effects of breast cancer.

9. Extreme tiredness
Feeling constantly tired or fatigue is also one of the prevalent signs of menopause and is a symptom of breast cancer. One may also experience fatigue while they undergo the treatment for breast cancer. The fatigue may be caused due to disturbed sleep because of night sweats and hot flushes. This fatigue will be different from normal tiredness and might be more unpredictable and extreme. Sadly, this may not even go away after proper rest