OVARIAN CANCER SURVIVORS

Women with ovarian cancer may undergo treatments involving surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. They may go into induced menopause and develop menopausal symptoms.

Most ovarian cancers are sensitive to the hormone estrogen, so systemic hormone therapy (hormone treatment that circulates through the bloodstream) is not an option. There are behavioral management and non-hormonal medications to help with hot flashes.

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Behavioral management includes wearing loose cotton clothing, lowering the temperature in your living environment, practicing yoga or meditation, paced breathing and avoiding triggers such as alcohol, caffeine and stress. It can also be helpful to work toward a healthy body weight and exercise regularly with a goal of 150 minutes/week of moderate physical activity.

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There are some non-hormonal medications which may help with hot flashes. Herbal remedies that have been studied have not been found to be effective.