Cancer Survivor Opens Up About Early Menopause Journey

Ellie Waters-Barnes, now 24, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the age of 14, a diagnosis that would lead her to experience early menopause at just 15. In 2015, she learned that she had Rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer, after noticing a “small, kidney bean-sized lump” in her left buttock. Ellie’s journey highlights the profound impact that cancer treatment can have on young people, particularly regarding reproductive health.

The lump Ellie discovered in January 2015 grew larger over time, yet she felt too embarrassed to discuss it with her parents for seven months. By the time she did seek help, the cancer had progressed to Stage Four, meaning it had spread to other areas of her body. Alongside the lump, she experienced extreme constipation, severe pain in her left leg, and difficulties with urination. Initially, Ellie thought these were unrelated issues, unaware that they were symptoms of a more serious condition.

Following her diagnosis in September 2015, Ellie underwent intensive treatment that lasted 18 months, including nine months of aggressive chemotherapy. “It was the sort of chemotherapy that just wipes you out, physically and mentally,” she recalled. The treatment caused significant side effects, including weight loss and hair loss. In addition to these challenges, radiotherapy targeted her pelvic area, leading to damage to her reproductive organs and early menopause.

“I didn’t care how I was left, as long as I survived the cancer,” Ellie said, reflecting on her priorities at the time. When her periods did not return after treatment, she began hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage her symptoms. At just 15, she struggled to grasp the implications of early menopause, feeling disconnected from her peers who were navigating typical adolescent experiences.

The emotional toll of her condition became evident upon returning to school. Ellie found herself feeling “like an 18-year-old trapped in an 80-year-old’s body.” She felt isolated as conversations among her peers revolved around topics related to puberty and relationships, which were foreign to her due to her cancer treatment. The contrast between her physical development and that of her classmates intensified her feelings of inadequacy.

As Ellie pursued her A-Levels, she dealt with additional symptoms of menopause, including fatigue and cognitive challenges. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, she took the opportunity to research early menopause, discovering that she had been receiving insufficient HRT for her symptoms. After investing in a private consultation, she found a treatment that significantly improved her quality of life.

Ellie acknowledges the challenges posed by infertility, describing it as “definitely a bit of a deal breaker” in relationships. Yet she emphasizes the importance of acceptance and education regarding her condition. “Empower yourself with knowledge,” she advises others facing similar challenges. Her experience has driven her to raise awareness around early menopause, a topic she describes as taboo and often misunderstood.

Claire Taylor, chief nursing officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, states that navigating treatment-induced menopause can be overwhelmingly difficult for many women. “Many women are still going through this process feeling overwhelmed and alone,” she said, underscoring the need for support services. Macmillan offers resources such as the Cancer Information and Support Centres and a dedicated Support Line to help those affected.

Currently studying medicine at Keele University in Stoke-on-Trent, Ellie aims to become a qualified doctor by August 2026, with a focus on oncology. She hopes her experiences will enable her to support others facing similar health challenges. Ellie’s story illustrates the resilience of young cancer survivors and highlights the importance of addressing the emotional and physical effects of cancer treatment on reproductive health.

Ellie’s journey continues to inspire those around her, as she strives to bring awareness to early menopause and the challenges that accompany it. By sharing her story, she aims to foster understanding and acceptance of what many consider a deeply personal and often stigmatized aspect of women’s health.