Episode 142 - Exercise Solutions: What Really Works for Menopause Symptoms

In today’s episode, we will explore which type of exercise and which dose of exercise will help ease cancer treatment-induced symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, depression, insomnia and bone health.

In this episode, we are going to explore: what exercise can do for you.

We are joined by Professor Anna Campbell and a whole group of the women in our community. Professor Campbell has published over 60 research papers and three academic book chapters in the field of exercise and cancer survivorship. In addition, she has also established the charity CanRehabTrust which links cancer patients to cancer exercise specialists. If you have any questions about how to exercise after cancer, Professor Campbell is the person to ask.

• Which type of exercise is best after cancer?
• How much should I exercise?
• Can exercise reduce my risk of recurrence?
• What are the guidelines?

Here are the guidelines on exercise after cancer: https://www.acsm.org/docs/default-source/files-for-resource-library/exercise-guidelines-cancer-infographic.pdf

This episode is sponsored by Astellas Pharma Limited - Thank you for your support.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

04:56 Exploring exercise's impact on cancer treatment recovery.

10:36 Pre-hab reduces complications and saves healthcare costs.

19:20 Exercise aids recovery, improving quality of life.

22:17 Diet/exercise prevents weight gain, improves health.

24:20 Menopausal symptoms can worsen post-cancer.

32:52 Regular exercise and stretching.

35:03 Strength and endurance are both essential.

38:52 Exercise 150 minutes weekly.

48:33 Exercise post-diagnosis reduces cancer recurrence risk.

51:20 Embrace new activities post-cancer for joy.

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Welcome to today’s episode where I want to sum up what numerous doctors have shared with me over the years. In this episode we are going to explore:

• why you are most likely experiencing challenges in getting the right help with your menopausal symptoms.
• We will go through all the symptoms associated with the menopause and why it might be confusing to know what’s what. Is it brain fog or is it still chemo brain?
• And I will share my flow chart of all your treatment options with you. This will give you an overview - of what’s in your menopause after cancer toolkit.

In the upcoming episodes, I’ll be joined by experts who will help us dive deeper into these important topics. So stay tuned and embrace this journey of exploration. At the end, I’ll share how you can connect with a menopause specialist if you feel you need that extra support.

This episode was recorded in the presence of our incredible community, and I’ll be sharing some of their valuable comments and reflections with you as well.

Here’s to learning, growth, and feeling more supported together!

Find your symptom checker here https://menopauseandcancer.org/menopause-and-cancer-symptom-checklist/

This episode is sponsored by Astellas Pharma Limited - Thank you for your support.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

05:31 Community support is crucial for shared experiences.

14:18 Anxiety common in menopause but manageable with help.

22:35 Exploring menopause symptoms post-cancer diagnosis experiences.

27:39 Assess HRT options with healthcare professional.

36:27 Non-hormonal menopause treatments: options and antidepressants.

42:11 Hormone therapy requires careful, personalised decision-making.

47:20 Exercise reduces cancer recurrence risk by 30%.

51:07 Access UK menopause resources for specialist care.

59:47 Find experienced specialist for post-cancer menopause management.

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Welcome to this special Christmas Day episode of the Menopause and Cancer Podcast. For many of us—cancer survivors navigating treatment-induced menopause—this day might not feel like the picture-perfect celebration we see in movies or on social media. And that’s okay. In today’s episode, I want to turn celebrating on it’s head - and celebrate YOU.

Let’s take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect on what it means to celebrate ourselves. Whether you’re feeling gratitude, exhaustion, or something in between, this is your gentle reminder that you are enough just as you are.

• What does “celebration” really mean on a day like today?
• Why it’s okay if today doesn’t feel joyful, and how we can find moments of peace.
• Reframing Christmas: turning the focus inward and celebrating your resilience, strength, and small wins.
• Wrapping yourself in warmth—literally and figuratively—and filling up your own cup.

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Episode Highlights:

00:00 Celebrating quiet strength over hustle and tradition.

05:03 Menopause post-cancer impact underestimated; needs support.

07:36 What does celebration mean to you today?

11:24 Feeling detached yet grateful during a family celebration.

14:39 Celebrate yourself with affirmations and self-care.

19:48 Disconnecting from the body impedes true enjoyment.

21:53 Embrace being the proud, empowered, "difficult" woman.

25:49 Celebration for you, unity, connections, and healing.

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub