When menopause arrives overnight

<p>Breast cancer treatment can save your life, but what happens when the treatment itself triggers an immediate menopause?</p><p>In this episode I’m joined by journalist <strong>Carissa Casey</strong>, who shares her deeply personal experience of surgical menopause following breast cancer treatment. </p><p>While her cancer was successfully treated, she found herself facing severe insomnia, joint pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, weight gain, mood changes and a body she barely recognised—all without ever feeling properly prepared for what lay ahead.</p><p>Together we explore:</p><ul><li>Why surgical menopause is so different from natural menopause</li><li>The impact of suddenly losing oestrogen overnight</li><li>Breast cancer, tamoxifen and the difficult conversations around treatment decisions</li><li>Why recurrent UTIs are so common after menopause—and what can help</li><li>The gaps in menopause support for women after cancer treatment</li><li>The importance of informed decision-making and asking questions</li><li>How misinformation and expensive supplements can fill the void when women aren’t getting the support they need</li></ul><p>This isn’t a conversation about criticising cancer treatment. It’s about recognising that surviving cancer is only part of the journey, and that women deserve honest conversations about what comes next.</p><p>Whether you’ve experienced menopause yourself, support someone who has, or work in healthcare, I hope this discussion leaves you feeling better informed and better equipped to ask questions.</p><p>If you found this episode helpful, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really does help more people discover these conversations.</p>