Episode 236 - The 5 Things I Know About Menopause After Cancer

After more than 200 episodes of conversations with doctors, researchers, therapists, cancer specialists and, most importantly, people navigating menopause after cancer themselves, I’ve learned a lot.

Last week, a dream came true, and we hosted our first global menopause and cancer conference for healthcare professionals - and so for this episode, I’m doing something a little different.

I’m sharing five things I now know to be true (I know, a bold statement!) about menopause after cancer. Things I’ve learned at the conference and things I’ve learned over the years.

You might disagree with me - but here are mine (for today anyway!):

There is rarely one “right” answer.

Especially when it comes to HRT after cancer, risk and personal choice.

Treatment shouldn't mean simply putting up with everything.

We need to talk about the impact of treatments such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors — and what can be done to help.

The things that might sound “small” can have an enormous impact.

Hair, vaginal and bladder symptoms, painful sex, body changes — these things matter.

Menopause after cancer isn't just physical.

Anxiety, sleep, confidence, relationships, identity and that feeling of “Who am I now?”