In this episode I want to share with you some of my personal experiences and insights on navigating menopause after cancer treatment, particularly focusing on how individual healing is! You may be new to our community or you may have listened to every single episode, I think you’ll love this one.

You may need medication, you may need to heal in a different way. I know food was my medicine and so was my yoga, and you may want to do different things at different times. You do you! So, tune in as I share my 7 strategies and lead you down a path to enquire if you want to adopt any of them into your own life.

Make sure to listen to the end!

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate” is a beautiful reading by Marianne Williamson and I share it to encourage you to shine bright!

Thanks to our sponsors https://www.madeforlifeorganics.com/ Made For Life Organics - one of the most authentic skin-care brands that I have come across. They are true organic skin care products, hand-blended in Cornwall, with a unique mix of botanical ingredients combining science with nature. Go to https://www.madeforlifeorganics.com/ they are giving our community 20% off with MENO20.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

06:07 Consider holistic options; balance diet for nutrients.

08:14 Inspiring self-care influences.

12:23 Exercise improves mood, health, and social connections.

17:00 Community enhances emotional and mental well-being.

23:53 Trust your instincts; options can be revisited.

27:12 Explore diet, supplements, and holistic symptom management.

31:07 Empower treatment knowledge; maintain a supportive network.

36:00 Our Deepest Fear poem.

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

Today’s guest is a lady from our community who shares her experience with cancer diagnosis, treatment, and the challenges she faced with conflicting information and decisions. Maria is a wonderful lady who shares so openly and with vulnerability. She discusses the impact of menopause on her mental health and physical well-being, as well as the difficulties she encountered with vaginal atrophy. Maria emphasises the importance of being an active participant in one's own healthcare and the need for personalised treatment options. She also highlights the value of finding support and community in navigating the menopause journey.

Thanks to our sponsors https://www.madeforlifeorganics.com/ Made For Life Organics - one of the most authentic skin-care brands that I have come across. They are true organic skin care products, hand-blended in Cornwall, with a unique mix of botanical ingredients combining science with nature. Go to https://www.madeforlifeorganics.com/ they are giving our community 20% off with MENO20.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

09:02 HRT cessation very difficult.

13:04 Despair culminated on tube platform; sought help.

15:55 Women's benefits vary; informed consultation is essential.

17:23 Struggling with identity and emotional instability.

22:53 Struggling to get GP to prescribe Ospemifene.

24:58 Stopping tamoxifen improved physical, mental issues briefly.

29:10 Your path is unique; prioritise personal preparation.

30:16 Decision based on facts, not opinions needed.

36:55 Community and podcast provided peace and connection.

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

In today’s episode, I am joined by the woman who has become my biggest inspiration personally and professionally over the last year - without knowing it! Amanda Winwood is today’s guest and she shares her journey of shaking up and transforming the spa industry to be more inclusive for cancer patients. She discusses the importance of touch therapy, the science behind the formulations in her skin care brand Made For Life Organics, and the significance of being authentic and wanting to do the right thing. Amanda emphasises the need for integrity in product creation - some of the facts she reveals about organic skin care will shock you for sure! This conversation is a call for each of us to channel our inner hippie, our inner rebel and to embrace true authenticity.

Thanks to our sponsors https://www.madeforlifeorganics.com/ Made For Life Organics - one of the most authentic skin-care brands that I have come across. They are true organic skin care products, hand-blended in Cornwall, with a unique mix of botanical ingredients combining science with nature. Go to https://www.madeforlifeorganics.com/ they are giving our community 20% off with MENO20.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

06:28 Open-mindedness needed to welcome cancer patients in spas.

15:08 Validation, nature, and massage significantly impact well-being.

22:24 Organic skincare only requires 1.75% organic ingredients.

25:11 Improve skin microbiome through diet and nature.

32:15 Calendula’s healing power cherished and family-tied.

36:43 Nature's herbs and flowers deeply connect and help.

38:31 Made for Life Organics prioritise integrity and handmade natural products.

43:45 Embrace inner hippie, rebel, and authenticity.

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

In today’s episode, we discuss the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and local oestrogen in all types of gynaecological cancer patients. Many women after ovarian, womb, cervical, vulval or vaginal cancers feel that they are left out of the conversation and research as so much emphasis is on the breast cancer community. So, here we are with a laser focus on menopause after gynae cancers and we hope this episode is helpful.

We are joined by Mr. Vikram Talaulikar, an associate specialist at the reproductive medicine unit in University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and hon. associate professor at University College London.

He explains that menopause after gynaecological cancer treatment is more challenging because it occurs suddenly and the symptoms are often more severe and persistent.

We discuss the data and safety for the use of HRT and local oestrogen for:

1) Ovarian cancer

2) Endometrial cancer

3) Cervical cancer

4) Vaginal + Vulval cancer

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

13:05 HRT now considered for more cancer patients.

14:04 HRT generally safe for most ovarian tumours.

19:58 Prefer HRT after 12-24 months post-treatment.

22:09 Cervical cancer: treatment options hinge on type.

30:24 Post-surgery, vaginal oestrogen often necessary; discussions important.

33:32 Research non-hormonal treatments before using vaginal oestrogen.

38:39 Ideally see a menopause specialist early after cancer diagnosis.

42:34 Sarcomas contraindicate hormone use.

44:50 Holistic menopause care includes non-hormonal and local treatments.

49:18 Discuss options with GP, oncologist, or nurse specialist.

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

A big thanks to our trusted sponsor, The Better Menopause. I’m excited to share their amazing product, The Better Gut with you. Most women don’t realize that gut health and menopause symptoms are intrinsically linked—keeping your gut happy is the foundation for overall health, through all stages of life. The Better Gut is a daily capsule packed with a unique, science-backed probiotic blend designed to survive stomach acid, reach your gut alive and help improve symptoms such as bloating, hot flushes and anxiety.

Go check them out - The Better Gut is a big help for many https://thebettermenopause.com/products/better-gut?selling_plan=690396627248

In today’s episode, we tackle a situation many of us in the menopause and cancer community face: What do you do when doctors’ opinions divide?

It’s a common experience to receive conflicting advice from healthcare professionals, and that can be confusing, frustrating and scary especially when you’re navigating menopause after a cancer diagnosis.

I am joined by author and breast cancer survivor Rosamund Dean who has made this experience herself. We are going to mull over what we can do to navigate a challenging situation like this.

We will talk about:

• Why doctors may disagree on treatment plans and how to understand those differences.
• How to advocate for yourself when medical advice feels unclear or overwhelming.
• The importance of second (or third) opinions and how to approach them with an open mind.
• Practical strategies for researching treatment options and weighing the pros and cons.
• Community insights from women who’ve faced similar challenges, sharing what helped them make informed decisions.

Episode Highlights:

00:00Intro.

05:47 Five months of chemo, mastectomy, radiotherapy, capecitabine.

09:41 Early menopause increases bone health concerns.

11:48 Oncologist encourages seeking second opinions for treatment.

17:40 Menopause isn't always initial focus when treating cancer.

22:53 Meeting about ovary removal due to family history

34:13 Healthy diet: Vegetables, minimal processed, quality meat.

38:28 We all muddle through uncertainty together.

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

Rosamund’s book ReConstruction is here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reconstruction-rebuild-breast-cancer-diagnosis/dp/0008585202

Rosamund’s Substack is here https://rosamunddean.substack.com/

A big thanks to our trusted sponsor, The Better Menopause. I’m excited to share their amazing product, The Better Gut with you. Most women don’t realize that gut health and menopause symptoms are intrinsically linked—keeping your gut happy is the foundation for overall health, through all stages of life. The Better Gut is a daily capsule packed with a unique, science-backed probiotic blend designed to survive stomach acid, reach your gut alive and help improve symptoms such as bloating, hot flushes and anxiety.

Go check them out - The Better Gut is a big help for many https://thebettermenopause.com/products/better-gut?selling_plan=690396627248

Has anyone here experienced raised cholesterol levels as a result of menopause since cancer treatment or as a result of being on an aromatase inhibitor?

I’m horrified that so many of us are getting high cholesterol and nobody has warned us this may be something to look out for.

In this episode, I invite longevity dietician Barbie Boule onto the show to discuss the topic of cholesterol, particularly about cancer survivors and menopause. We address the confusion surrounding cholesterol and its importance and Boule addresses strategies that can help - from medication to diet.

This conversation also covers the role of saturated fat and fibre in cholesterol management, the potential use of supplements, and the limitations of herbal preparations.

Overall, the episode provides practical advice and encourages listeners to take control of their metabolic health.

A big thanks to our trusted sponsor, The Better Menopause. I’m excited to share their amazing product, The Better Gut with you. Most women don’t realize that gut health and menopause symptoms are intrinsically linked—keeping your gut happy is the foundation for overall health, through all stages of life. The Better Gut is a daily capsule packed with a unique, science-backed probiotic blend designed to survive stomach acid, reach your gut alive and help improve symptoms such as bloating, hot flushes and anxiety.

Go check them out - The Better Gut is a big help for many https://thebettermenopause.com/products/better-gut?selling_plan=690396627248

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

04:18 Menopause disrupts metabolism, and requires close health monitoring.

06:24 Evaluate medication's benefits versus potential side effects.

15:03 Adopt mini-habits, limit saturated fats, improve cholesterol.

17:23 Balanced, colourful eating with phytonutrients is beneficial.

28:08 Cancer treatments impact cholesterol; awareness is crucial.

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

You can find Barbie Boule here https://barbieboules.com/

Thank you to The Better Menopause for sponsoring this episode.

Can’t fall asleep? Waking up in the middle of the night? Can cancer treatment-induced menopause cause you sleep issues? Do you have insomnia?

Dr. Zoe Schaedel, a sleep and menopause expert, discusses the impact of cancer and menopause on sleep and offers insights into managing sleep problems.

Sleep disturbances are common among cancer survivors and menopausal women, with up to 70% experiencing sleep problems. While sleep hygiene practices can be helpful for improving sleep, they may not be enough to treat sleep disorders like insomnia.

Dr. Schaedel highlights the importance of diagnosing insomnia and exploring psychological treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTI). She also discusses the role of medication, such as sedating antidepressants and newer treatments like Daridorexant, in managing sleep problems. Additionally, she addresses the impact of melatonin, magnesium, food, caffeine, alcohol, and other supplements on sleep.

You can see Dr Schaedel here in her menopause clinic https://www.mylahealth.co.uk/dr-zoe-schaedel or here in her sleep clinic https://goodsleep.clinic/

The resource Dr. Schaedel mentions is here: https://www.petermac.org/component/edocman/pm-0002-design-v22-web/viewdocument/562?Itemid=0

Here is the Sleepio resource https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/healthyminds/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/10/Sleepio-info-for-clients.pdf

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode, The Better Menopause. Their new Good Sleep multi-vitamin supplement isn’t just any multivitamin—it’s a thoughtfully crafted blend of Vitamin D, B12, Ashwagandha, and Magnesium, all designed to help you relax and unwind. Created by a company that truly cares about our community, this supplement is the perfect addition to your nightly routine. Go here for more info https://thebettermenopause.com/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

06:43 Insomnia diagnosis leads to evidence-based treatment.

15:40 Therapy for insomnia examines and challenges thoughts.

22:54 Short-term medication can help but isn't ideal.

24:24 New medication for chronic insomnia, less drowsiness.

30:04 Certain foods may potentially help improve sleep.

33:51 Potential vitamin deficiencies could impact health, including sleep.

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

The sixth episode in the HRT after breast cancer series features Lisa Colclough and Helen Widner, two breast cancer patients who decided to go down two very different routes. Helen decided to start testosterone pellet therapy whilst being on aromatase inhibitors, whilst Lisa decided to restart her HRT soon after her breast cancer treatment.

This mini-series explores hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after breast cancer, a controversial and emotive subject. The conversation focuses on the further understanding of risks and benefits of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or also MHT (menopause hormone therapy), the emotional impact on patients, and the different views among medical professionals.

The goal is to provide understanding for patients seeking HRT after breast cancer and insight for doctors on how to move forward without robust evidence. Dani Binnington, host of the Menopause And Cancer podcast, and founder of the not-for-profit organisation Menopause And Cancer has spoken to hundreds of women who feel like they are in a void and have nowhere to turn to in discussing this difficult topic. Welcome to our HRT after breast cancer series.

In this episode we discuss:

What was the hardest part about menopause for each of them?

We explore why Helen and Lisa thought about using hormone replacement therapy after their breast cancer diagnosis.

Lisa discusses not being heard as a patient and why she was made to take action without her doctor’s support.

Helen discusses the hurdles to accessing testosterone pellet therapy in the UK.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

05:13 Postmenopausal risk versus benefits of aromatase inhibitors.

08:36 Difficulties with tamoxifen, switched to HRT.

11:58 Brain fog impacted daily life, resembling dementia.

28:47 Desire for informed discussion about medical decisions.

35:45 Research led to considering testosterone implants with AI.

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