Episode 227 - The Messy Middle: Restarting HRT and Feeling Invisible

Episode 227 - The Messy Middle: Restarting HRT and Feeling Invisible

Within just a year of being diagnosed with breast cancer, lawyer mum and so-called ‘midlife-hipster’ George made the deeply personal decision to restart HRT. This episode isn't about advocating for or against HRT after breast cancer, and it certainly isn't about telling anyone what they should or shouldn't do. Instead, it's about understanding one woman's journey and exploring the thoughts, emotions and experiences that shaped her decision. This conversation also goes far beyond HRT. George speaks beautifully about something I know many women will recognise: feeling invisible in midlife. Long before she made the decision to restart HRT, she had already begun finding ways to reconnect with herself. We talk about "Sparkly Fridays", bright lipstick, embracing colour, finding moments of joy and slowly rediscovering her confidence. It's a wonderful reminder that getting your mojo back isn't always about one big decision; sometimes it's the many little things that help you feel like yourself again. When I first spoke to George, she was right in the messy middle. She had restarted HRT but, for the first time, found herself feeling anxious about that decision. I know so many people in our community are asking similar questions, often without straightforward answers. My hope is that today's conversation helps us take some of the emotion out of these discussions and instead become a little more curious about one another. We don't all have to make the same decisions, but we can learn so much by listening without judgement. In this episode, we discuss: * George's decision to restart HRT after breast cancer * Living with uncertainty and navigating deeply personal decisions * Anxiety, confidence and trusting yourself * Feeling invisible in midlife * "Sparkly Fridays" and finding joy in the everyday * Why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to menopause after cancer * The importance of listening to one another's stories without judgement Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:53 Building an online community 10:58 Early breast cancer diagnosis story 14:10 Discussing HRT decision after cancer 19:19 Anxiety about cancer recurrence 20:34 Discussing menopause and shared decisions 26:10 Discussing hormones and health choices 29:38 Reflecting on past struggles 34:41 Considering future HRT plans 37:40 Heart and bone health after cancer 42:14 Coping with difficult decisions Next week, you'll hear from another breast cancer survivor whose story is completely different. HRT isn't something she would personally consider, and that's exactly why I wanted to share these conversations side by side. Every experience is unique, and by hearing a range of perspectives, my hope is that we can all feel a little more informed, a little more understood, and a little less alone. Enjoy! Follow George here: https://www.instagram.com/awomancalledgeorge/ [https://www.instagram.com/awomancalledgeorge/] Dani’s links: Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page [https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page] Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb [https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb] Join the 12th September Thames Bridges Trek: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge] Set up your own fundraiser: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas] Connect with us: For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org [https://www.menopauseandcancer.org] Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/] Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub/] Mentioned in this episode: Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

Episode 226 - Heart Health After Menopause and Cancer: Don't Panic, But Don't Ignore This Either

Heart disease is one of the biggest long-term health concerns facing cancer survivors after menopause. But before you panic, there is a lot more within your control than you might think. Just recently, I’ve seen several social media posts talking about how our risk of heart disease increases during menopause, especially if you’re not taking HRT. I totally understand how, for many cancer survivors, that can feel so frightening. After all, what do you do if HRT isn’t an option, or if the decision is far more complicated because of your cancer history? Or because you’re super young, maybe? That’s exactly why I wanted to bring in Dr Jordan Emont. Dr Emont is a board-certified OB-GYN with advanced training in menopause medicine, integrative hormonal care and sexual health. In this episode, we talk about what menopause really means for our heart and metabolic health, why cholesterol and insulin resistance matter, and most importantly, the practical steps we can take to reduce risk and feel more in control of our future health. This is a reassuring, empowering conversation that moves beyond fear and focuses on what we can actually do. Whether you’re on endocrine therapy, navigating treatment-induced menopause, or simply wondering how to protect your long-term health after cancer, I think you’ll find this episode incredibly helpful. Resources: Find Dr Emont here https://www.drjordanemont.com/ [https://www.drjordanemont.com/] I have also recorded an in-depth episode on ‘How to take control of your cholesterol’. Go check it out! It’s Episode 125: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-125-take-control-of-your-cholesterol/id1631842514?i=1000669090421 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-125-take-control-of-your-cholesterol/id1631842514?i=1000669090421] Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 07:50 Empowering women in healthcare decisions 10:20 Managing menopause and surgery decisions 15:36 Managing health post-ovary removal 19:22 Managing Risk and Health Choices 22:06 Lifestyle and heart health tips 24:58 Menopause specialists and holistic care 29:49 Understanding insulin resistance tests 34:20 Exploring cholesterol medication options Dani’s links: Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page [https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page] Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb [https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb] Join the 12th September Thames Bridges Trek: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge] Set up your own fundraiser: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas] Connect with us: For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org [https://www.menopauseandcancer.org] Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/] Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub/] Mentioned in this episode: Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

Episode 225 - Supplements And Cancer: Are We Missing Out?

Whether it's joint pain, fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep, hot flushes or anxiety, it can feel frustrating when symptoms linger long after treatment ends. For many people, supplements seem like a logical place to look for menopause support, but with endless products, conflicting advice and cupboards full of half-used bottles, how do you know what's actually worth taking? In this episode, I am once again joined by leading oncologist, researcher and integrative medicine specialist Professor Robert Thomas to explore the role supplements may play in supporting health and wellbeing after cancer. Make sure to have pen and paper ready, as I think you’ll need it! In this episode, we discuss: * Why so many cancer survivors turn to supplements * How to identify what symptoms you're actually trying to support * Which supplements have anti-cancer properties? * Which supplements help with joint pain? * Supplements that may help with sleep * The role of vitamin D, probiotics and omega-3 * What should I NOT have too much of? * The debate around multivitamins after cancer * Common supplement mistakes that waste money * Creatine: what we know and what we still don't know for cancer survivors One of the most powerful messages from this conversation is that there is rarely one magic supplement. Instead, the best results often come from understanding your symptoms, focusing on overall health and making informed decisions based on evidence rather than marketing. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 05:06 Discussing supplements with oncologists 08:34 Discussing supplement safety and benefits 11:13 Improving gut health in menopause 16:03 Concerns about multivitamins and antioxidants 17:52 Discussing supplements and deficiencies 20:57 Understanding Mineral Intake from Food 25:44 Discussing creatine vs collagen benefits Resources * Keep Healthy: keep-healthy.com [http://keep-healthy.com] and https://keep-healthy.com/polyphenols/ [https://keep-healthy.com/polyphenols/] * Rob’s bestselling book "How to Live [https://www.keep-healthy.com/book]" About Dr Robert Thomas Dr Robert Thomas is a Consultant Oncologist, Professor of Nutritional and Sports Science, researcher, author and Head of Integrative Oncology at UCLH. His work focuses on helping people combine conventional cancer treatments with evidence-based lifestyle strategies to improve outcomes and quality of life. He also leads a research unit that has designed landmark scientific studies [http://www.cancernet.co.uk/rthomas.htm] which provide the evidence that guide nutritionists, support groups, doctors and patients across the World. As well as mainstream oncology studies, the team focuses on randomised trials that evaluate the impact of exercise, diet, gut health and natural therapies on cancer, long covid [https://yourgutplus.com/gut-health-and-covid/] and exercise performance, menopause and cancer. This included 5 RCT's addressing hormone related symptons after breast cancer including patient choice as a primary end point. His latest two double blind RCTs, discovered that boosting dietary phytochemicals (with Yourphyto [https://yourphyto.com/]) and gut health (with Yourgutplus [https://yourgutplus.com/]) slowed prostate cancer progression [https://keep-healthy.com/prostate-nutrition-study/], improved erectile function and urinary symptoms [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588931125002573] and improved three key biomarkers of longevity [https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9259/6/2/35]. Dani’s links: Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page [https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page] Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb [https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb] Join the 12th September Thames Bridges Trek: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge] Set up your own fundraiser: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas [https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/fundraisingideas] Mentioned in this episode: Fundraiser Walk: And walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/

Episode 224 - Turmeric After Cancer: Have We Got It Wrong? With Professor Robert Thomas

Can turmeric really help with joint pain, inflammation and gut health after cancer? And why are so many people being told to avoid it? In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with leading oncologist, researcher and integrative medicine expert Professor Robert Thomas to unpack the science behind turmeric, gut health and cancer recovery. Prof Thomas shares why he believes many patients are receiving outdated advice about turmeric, explains where concerns about tamoxifen interactions originated, and explores what the latest research actually tells us. Together, we discuss the role of gut health in long-term wellbeing, why exercise remains one of the most powerful tools available after cancer, and how lifestyle medicine can work alongside conventional cancer treatments. In this episode, we discuss: * The surprising evidence behind turmeric and cancer * Why turmeric became controversial in breast cancer care * The difference between turmeric, curcumin and supplements * Gut health, inflammation and the microbiome * Managing joint pain and menopausal symptoms after cancer * Exercise as a tool to improve cancer outcomes * How integrative oncology combines medical treatment with lifestyle strategies * Common myths surrounding supplements and cancer Resources * Keep Healthy: keep-healthy.com [http://keep-healthy.com] and https://keep-healthy.com/polyphenols/ [https://keep-healthy.com/polyphenols/] * Rob’s bestselling book "How to Live [https://www.keep-healthy.com/book]" Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 09:33 Discussing hormone therapy options 12:30 Discussing health and patient advocacy 15:00 Discussing menopause treatments 20:06 Turmeric's rise in health circles 22:24 Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits 24:21 Curcumin study and dosage discussion 28:01 Addressing turmeric's cancer misconceptions 32:28 Simplifying Supplement Choices About Prof Robert Thomas: Thomas is a Consultant Oncologist, Professor of Nutritional and Sports Science, author, researcher and Head of Integrative Oncology at UCLH. He has published extensively on lifestyle medicine, cancer prevention and survivorship, and is passionate about helping patients make informed decisions about their health using evidence-based approaches. He also leads a research unit that has designed landmark scientific studies [http://www.cancernet.co.uk/rthomas.htm] which provide the evidence that guide nutritionists, support groups, doctors and patients across the World. As well as mainstream oncology studies, the team focuses on randomised trials that evaluate the impact of exercise, diet, gut health and natural therapies on cancer, long covid [https://yourgutplus.com/gut-health-and-covid/] and exercise performance, menopause and cancer. This included 5 RCT's addressing hormone related symptons after breast cancer including patient choice as a primary end point. His latest two double blind RCTs, discovered that boosting dietary phytochemicals (with Yourphyto [https://yourphyto.com/]) and gut health (with Yourgutplus [https://yourgutplus.com/]) slowed prostate cancer progression [https://keep-healthy.com/prostate-nutrition-study/], improved erectile function and urinary symptoms [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588931125002573] and improved three key biomarkers of longevity [https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9259/6/2/35]. Connect with us: For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org [https://www.menopauseandcancer.org] Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/] Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub/] Mentioned in this episode: Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/ Fundraiser Walk: https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/thamesbridgestrekultrachallenge

Episode 223 - Four Years, Hundreds of Conversations and One Big Question: What's Next?

Four years ago, I sat down and recorded the very first episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. At the time, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't know whether anyone would listen, whether I'd make it past a handful of episodes, or that four years later I'd still be here, talking to you every single week. What began as a simple idea, to create the menopause resource I desperately wished I'd had after cancer, has grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined. Over the last four years, we've shared hundreds of conversations with incredible experts, survivors, partners, advocates and healthcare professionals. Together we've explored symptoms, treatments, relationships, intimacy, identity, mental health, grief, hope and everything in between. The podcast has opened doors I never expected. It has led to friendships, opportunities, a bestselling book, healthcare professional training, events, retreats and the growth of Menopause and Cancer into a global movement. But perhaps the greatest gift has been you: your emails, messages and stories. Hosting this podcast has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. And the truth is, I think the podcast has changed me just as much as it has helped others. Over the last four years, life has changed, too. My daughters have grown up. I've become a founder, an author and somehow a CEO. I've gained confidence in some areas and lost it in others. I've learned new skills, made mistakes, changed my mind, needed reading glasses and realised that growth rarely happens in a straight line. Recently, I've been reflecting a lot on identity. For years, I was a yoga teacher. Then an advocate. Then a founder. Now a CEO. And yet, if I'm honest, I don't always feel like any of those labels fully fit anymore. Maybe you've felt that too? Are we constantly in transition? Perhaps that's why this moment feels important. Not because we've reached four years, but because it feels like the beginning of a new chapter. I've recently started a new project called Still Becoming: a kind of blog, and in many ways, this is how it all started for me. It's a space where I can share some of the conversations that don't always fit neatly into a Menopause and Cancer podcast episode: reflections on identity, motherhood, relationships, intimacy, purpose, building a charity and navigating all the messy, beautiful parts of being human. And because this next chapter isn't just about me, I'd love your help. I've created a short listener survey to help shape the future of the podcast. What have you loved? What has helped? What conversations are missing? What would you like more of? I'll also be inviting a small group of listeners to join me on a Zoom call on 9th July at 5pm so we can talk about the future together. For now, though, I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for sharing your stories. Thank you for trusting me with them. Links Mentioned The Next Chapter - Shape the future of the show with me: https://forms.gle/cQ36jKzDFqY2p3qy6 [https://forms.gle/cQ36jKzDFqY2p3qy6] Join my blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page [https://substack.com/@danibinnington?r=1osz6a&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page] Buy the book “Navigating Menopause After Cancer” https://amzn.eu/d/0fPhc0tt [https://amzn.eu/d/0fPhc0tt] Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 03:35 Discovering Menopause Support Needs 09:20 Writing ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ 13:00 The importance of audience feedback 14:57 Kate's experience with menopause and cancer 20:27 Navigating life after cancer 21:27 Still Becoming: Embracing Multiple Identities 25:07 Listener feedback session invitation 28:14 Podcast future plans announcement Connect with us: For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org [https://www.menopauseandcancer.org] Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer [https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/] Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub [https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub/] Mentioned in this episode: Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/