The British menopause society consensus statement on the management of estrogen deficiency symptoms, arthralgia and menopause diagnosis in women with treated for early breast cancer

Abstract

This guidance document by the British Menopause Society provides an overview of the management of women experiencing estrogen deficiency symptoms and arthralgia following a breast cancer diagnosis. It is now recommended breast cancer patients are referred to health care professionals with an expertise in menopause for management of such symptoms, which in turn often involves liaison with patients' breast cancer teams.¹ However, as many women initially present to primary health care professionals for advice, this statement is aimed to support the latter in such consultations by providing information about symptom aetiology, current management strategies and controversies and identifying useful practice points. This is an updated version of the 2018 consensus statement prepared by Miss Jo Marsden Consultant Breast Surgeon, King's College Hospital, London, (retired), Mr Mike Marsh, Consultant Gynae-endocrinologist, King's College Hospital, London, Dr Anne Rigg, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, London.

Keywords: Vasomotor symptoms; arthralgia; breast cancer; hormone replacement therapy; menopause; urogenital atrophy.