In this episode, Sonya Lovell, a breast cancer survivor and menopause advocate, shares her powerful story of navigating life after cancer. Diagnosed with breast cancer in her 40s, Sonya underwent chemotherapy and was thrust into medically induced menopause, leaving her unprepared and unsupported.

She now uses her experience to advocate for better education and support for women dealing with menopause, especially those going through cancer treatment. In this episode, we discuss the challenges Sonya faced with hormone therapies like Tamoxifen and Letrozole, and how she took control of her health with strength training, hormone therapy, and lifestyle changes.

You’ll learn:

• Sonya’s personal journey through breast cancer and its impact on early menopause
• The struggles of navigating menopause during and after cancer treatment
• Insights into the side effects of Tamoxifen and Letrozole
• How strength training and lifestyle changes helped Sonya regain her health
• The importance of self-advocacy in managing hormone therapy
• Tips for women facing cancer and menopause

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For more resources from Sonya Lovell:

Visit her website, follow her on Instagram and listen to her wonderful show Dear Menopause on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

https://sonyalovell.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sonyalovell/

https://open.spotify.com/show/4elaEci8Hlt7UZerIG1yem

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Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

00:00:00 - Introduction: Menopause & Cancer Journey

00:00:50 - Sonya Lovell’s Background & Advocacy

00:02:04 - Sonya’s Journey into Menopause Advocacy

00:02:10 - Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Menopause

00:06:51 - Cancer Treatment & Menopause Symptoms

00:12:06 - Emotional Impact of Menopause

00:15:12 - Lack of Empathy in Medical Care

00:16:13 - Need for Medical Retraining in Menopause Care

00:16:43 - Long-Term Health Impact of Cancer Treatment

00:17:36 - Tamoxifen & Menopause

00:18:39 - Sonya’s Experience with Letrozole

00:19:45 - Cognitive Issues & Physical Symptoms

00:23:04 - Cancer Treatment’s Impact on Skin Health

00:24:30 - Body Image & Fitness After Cancer

00:27:27 - Decision to Stop Medication

00:30:48 - Stopping Tamoxifen: Self-Education

00:31:18 - Hormone Therapy for Cancer Survivors

00:32:42 - Struggling to Access HRT

00:33:51 - Family’s Reaction to Health Decisions

00:35:37 - Hormone Therapy Experience

00:38:06 - Alcohol Risk & Breast Cancer

00:39:25 - Vaginal Hormones for Menopause Relief

00:41:59 - Testosterone for Menopause Treatment

00:43:49 - Key Takeaways from Sonya’s Journey

00:45:22 - Advice for Friends & Family

00:46:02 - The Misconception of 'Being Better' After Treatment

00:47:19 - The ‘Warrior’ Language in Cancer Survivorship

00:48:49 - Struggling for Information & Empowered Decisions

00:49:26 - Flexibility in Decision Making

00:52:42 - Exercise During Cancer Treatment

00:53:53 - Strength Training for Cancer Survivors

00:55:47 - Strength Training Tips for Beginners

00:58:20 - Sonya’s Advice to Her Younger Self

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