The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

Episode 214 - What It Really Feels Like & And Your Questions Answered

In this episode, I’m doing something a little different. I’m sharing real stories of who I met, what went on in our menopause after cancer community, and real experiences of what menopause after cancer actually feels like. The parts that often go unspoken. * I mull over if menopause after cancer needs a rebrand? * What does it mean to set realistic expectations? And alongside that, I’m answering your questions. From hair to how long does menopause last to GLP-1’s and risk — this is a space to bring it all together. Because so often, we’re told what should happen… but not what it really feels like to live through it. And because sometimes the best meaning advice is hard to implement for yourself - right at the end, I’m reading a beautiful poem to you by Jeff Foster - it’s called: Slow Down Friend. You’re not alone in this. And there are ways to feel better. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 05:42 Discussing menopause after cancer support 17:40 Answering listener questions on hair thinning 20:54 Diagnosing and treating hair loss 23:04 Discussing hair fibres and re-growth helmets 25:55 Discussing menopause after ovary removal 29:33 Managing cancer treatment and lifestyle risks 32:11 Considering whole patient health 35:26 Finding solace in the poem, Slow Down Friend Episode mentions: Episode 118: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-118-what-is-the-evidence-between-hrt-and-breast/id1631842514?i=1000666722248 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-118-what-is-the-evidence-between-hrt-and-breast/id1631842514?i=1000666722248] Episode 191: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-191-i-cant-shift-the-weight-should-i-consider/id1631842514?i=1000736358058 [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-191-i-cant-shift-the-weight-should-i-consider/id1631842514?i=1000736358058] 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/]

Episode 213 - Black Cohosh, Red Clover & Ashwagandha: Are They Safe After Cancer

When you’re thrown into menopause after breast cancer treatment, the symptoms can feel relentless: hot flushes, insomnia, anxiety, joint pain, low mood to name a few. And when conventional options feel limited, it is understandable that many people begin looking into herbal medicine. But then the confusion starts. - What herbal medicine actually is — and what it isn’t - Is black cohosh safe? - What about red clover and phyto-oestrogens? - Are adaptogens like ashwagandha helpful — or risky? - Could herbs interfere with endocrine therapy? In this episode, we are joined by Melinda MacDougall, a qualified medical herbalist and we will go through all of your many questions. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 03:50 What Is Herbal Medicine? 18:49 "Holistic Approach to Herbal Healing" 19:57 "Tamoxifen and Herbal Interactions" 24:47 Black Cohosh: Menopause Symptom Relief 29:56 "Skullcap & Lemon Balm Benefits" 33:00 "Black Cohosh for Menopause" 34:38 Holistic Self-Care Matters 41:14 "Sea Buckthorn Supplement Tips" 43:55 "Misleading Supplements" 48:20 "Adaptogens: Stress-Modulating Herbs" 53:26 "Plant Oestrogens" Here are some helpful links: You can find Melinda here: https://www.melindamcdougall.com/ Here is an article on herbal medicine: https://menopauseandcancer.org/herbal-medicine-for-menopause-after-cancer-current-research/ [https://menopauseandcancer.org/herbal-medicine-for-menopause-after-cancer-current-research/] Here is a great blog that lists Tamoxifen contraindications: https://owise.uk/tamoxifen-what-you-should-avoid/ [https://owise.uk/tamoxifen-what-you-should-avoid/] 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/]

Episode 212 - Questioning Alcohol After Cancer in Menopause

In this honest and judgment-free conversation, Dani is joined by cancer survivors Emily and Anita to explore their relationship with alcohol after cancer and during menopause. Together, they talk openly about questioning drinking habits, attempts to moderate or stop altogether, the social shifts that come with drinking less, and the impact on identity and relationships. We know that no amount of alcohol is completely safe. Large studies show that alcohol increases the risk of at least seven different cancers, and it can also worsen menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, poor sleep, and anxiety. But this episode isn’t about shame or blame. It’s an invitation to reflect — gently and without judgement — on your own relationship with alcohol. Whether you drink occasionally, regularly, or not at all, this conversation creates space to pause and ask: Is this still serving me? Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 06:41 "Finding My People Alcohol-Free" 13:20 "Alcohol-Free Holiday Journey" 16:37 "Redefining Roles When Sober" 24:34 "Sober Struggle with Moderation" 26:37 "Authentic Connections Without Alcohol" 30:26 Alcohol, Endometriosis, and Regret 32:03 Alcohol, Cancer, and Self-Blame 35:14 "Individual Choices in Health" 41:06 "Sober Journey, New Experiences" These are the websites Anita and Emily mention: https://besober.co.uk/ [https://besober.co.uk/] and https://soberbutterfly.com/ [https://soberbutterfly.com/] You can find Anita here https://yogaandsoundwithanita.co.uk/ [https://yogaandsoundwithanita.co.uk/] And Emily here https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-lunn-4931b3106/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-lunn-4931b3106/] 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/]

Episode 211- The PIONEER Trial: Rethinking Hormones After Breast Cancer?

In this episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Susanna Unsworth, GP and menopause specialist at the Cambridge breast unit, to talk about why menopause after cancer can sometimes feel like such a complex and at times controversial area of medicine. We explore why medical opinions can differ, why this space is not always black and white, and what happens when new research starts to challenge long-held assumptions. A big focus of this conversation is the PIONEER trial, a Cambridge-led study looking at whether megestrol acetate — a drug that acts on the progesterone receptor — could be used alongside standard anti-oestrogen treatment in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and how it may also help with hot flushes! It’s a bit mind-blowing when you think that all we hear all the time is NO to any HORMONES after breast cancer! So we talk about why that finding has caught so much attention. We also talk about the very real emotional burden of endocrine therapy, the impact on quality of life, and why so many patients feel stuck between wanting to reduce recurrence risk and wanting to feel more like themselves again. Susanna also shares how the Cambridge breast unit is developing its menopause service, including group education sessions to help prepare patients earlier and improve access to support. This is a really thoughtful conversation about evidence, uncertainty, quality of life, and why people affected by cancer deserve honest, nuanced menopause care. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 04:49 "World Menopause & Cancer Day" 06:21 GP Turned Women's Health Specialist 09:44 "Menopause, Breast Cancer, and Controversies" 13:29 Progesterone Trial Slows Cancer Growth 17:13 Hormonal Interplay and Cancer Risk 22:40 "Balancing Treatment Choices Carefully" 26:46 "Menopause, Social Media, and HRT" 32:05 Creating seminars to deliver information to more women About my guest Dr Susanna Unsworth is a GP and menopause specialist working within the breast unit in Cambridge, supporting patients experiencing menopause symptoms after breast cancer treatment. She also works more broadly in women’s health and community gynaecology. You can find her here: You can find Susanna here https://cambridgewomenshealth.co.uk/about [https://cambridgewomenshealth.co.uk/about] Resources and links 1. The Cambridge-led PIONEER trial article is here https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/hot-flush-treatment-has-anti-breast-cancer-activity-study-finds [https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/hot-flush-treatment-has-anti-breast-cancer-activity-study-finds] 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/]

Episode 210 - Can Acupuncture Help Menopause Symptoms After Cancer? Looking at the Research

Today, we’re exploring the evidence with medical acupuncturist Maria Vega. Many cancer survivors experience menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, joint pain, insomnia and anxiety — often while navigating complex treatment plans or endocrine therapy. For some, HRT may not be an option, which leads many people to explore complementary approaches like acupuncture. But does acupuncture really work? And what does the research say? In this episode, I’m joined by Maria Vega, a medical acupuncturist who works in integrative oncology supporting people after cancer with a whole array of evidence-based strategies. We explore the evidence behind acupuncture for symptoms such as hot flushes, aromatase inhibitor–related joint pain, sleep disturbances and anxiety, while also discussing safety considerations and how acupuncture may fit into a broader, integrative approach to managing menopause after cancer. 1. What is acupuncture and how does it work? 2. The science behind acupuncture and menopause symptoms 3. Research on acupuncture for hot flushes and joint pain after cancer 4. Safety considerations for cancer survivors Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 05:42 Integrative Oncology Nurse Specialist 07:52 Acupuncture: TCM and Western medical acupuncture 12:25 "Acupuncture and Medications Evidence" 16:02 "Improving Menopause Care Approach" 17:49 "Managing Hot Flushes Effectively" 24:50 "Acupuncture Safety in Oncology Treatment" 27:53 Acupuncture Recognition in Oncology 33:39 "Acupressure: Empowering Patient Self-Care" You can find Maria here https://holohealth.co.uk/ [https://holohealth.co.uk/] This paper sums up the recommendations Maria speaks about: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.22.01357 [https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.22.01357] Here is an open-source link as the ASCO paper requires a subscription. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jicm.2024.0452 [https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jicm.2024.0452] Highlight from ASCO - SIO guidelines: Among adult patients, acupuncture should be recommended for aromatase inhibitor–related joint pain. Acupuncture or reflexology or acupressure may be recommended for general cancer pain or musculoskeletal pain. 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/]