Episode Details

Episode 236 - The 5 Things I Know About Menopause After Cancer

Episode 236 Published 10 hours ago

Description

After more than 200 episodes of conversations with doctors, researchers, therapists, cancer specialists and, most importantly, people navigating menopause after cancer themselves, I’ve learned a lot.

Last week, a dream came true, and we hosted our first global menopause and cancer conference for healthcare professionals - and so for this episode, I’m doing something a little different.

I’m sharing five things I now know to be true (I know, a bold statement!) about menopause after cancer. Things I’ve learned at the conference and things I’ve learned over the years.

You might disagree with me - but here are mine (for today anyway!):

There is rarely one “right” answer.

Especially when it comes to HRT after cancer, risk and personal choice.

Treatment shouldn't mean simply putting up with everything.

We need to talk about the impact of treatments such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors — and what can be done to help.

The things that might sound “small” can have an enormous impact.

Hair, vaginal and bladder symptoms, painful sex, body changes — these things matter.

Menopause after cancer isn't just physical.

Anxiety, sleep, confidence, relationships, identity and that feeling of “Who am I now?”

There is almost always something we can do.

We need to look beyond the medical and expand our thinking. From non-hormonal medications and symptom-specific treatments to movement, sleep, psychological support, lifestyle and community — often it's about finding your own combination of things that help.

Episode Mentions:

Episode 74 - Why Would a Menopause Specialist Who Had Breast Cancer Take HRT?

Episode 71 - Combat Hair Issues in Menopause After Cancer

Episode 75 - From Anxiety to PRSD with Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro: Four years of podcasting milestones

04:48 Reflection on September's new beginnings

12:47 Discussing treatment after cancer

17:08 Podcast impact on cancer treatment

27:31 Struggling with menopause and mental health

29:34 Finding support in online groups

34:46 Navigating menopause after cancer