Teen from Caernarfon Faces Early Menopause After Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

When 19-year-old Enlli Thompson noticed changing periods and intense abdominal pain, doctors initially attributed her condition to common ailments, leaving her without a diagnosis. A visit to the A&E department at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor led to scans that first suggested a pelvic cyst and later confirmed stage 3 ovarian cancer, indicating spread beyond the pelvis. The recommended treatment involved a total hysterectomy, which instantly triggered menopause and eliminated any chance of having children.

After undergoing chemotherapy, which she finished in September 2025, Enlli had seven of her eggs frozen and has since taken steps to raise public awareness about the rarity and difficulty of diagnosing ovarian cancer in teenagers. She reports lingering menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and brain fog, and she has shifted her career goals toward cancer care. Medical professionals, including GP Dr Rebeccah Tomlinson, highlight that vague symptoms like bloating often delay diagnosis, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance.