Ep 103 - Joint Ache SOS

Joint ache after cancer treatment can happen for various reasons. Low oestrogen levels or side effects of medication can be the cause. Joint pain can significantly affect daily activities and diminish overall quality of life, making it challenging for you to do the things you once enjoyed doing. You might feel very frustrated that you have completed cancer treatment and now to be left with what sometimes can be a debilitating pain. We know a proportion of women even stop their endocrine treatment as the joint pain is too much to bear.

Dr Melanie Hacking and Dr Susanne Hooper, both accredited Menopause Specialists registered with the British Menopause Society (BMS) from The Oxford Hormone Clinic are speaking to us to day to help us understand how we can navigate this very common symptom. 

We cover:

Why do women get joint ache?

How does chemotherapy, tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors make the situation worse?

What can help? Medication? Diet? Movement? Supplements? Heat therapy? Cold therapy? Does relaxation help? 

Does joint pain mean arthritis?

Notes from the doctors: https://www.arthritis.org/ 

You can find Dr. Hacking and Dr. Hooper here https://www.oxfordhormoneclinic.com/menopause-explained#cancer

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:28 Discussion on joint pain in menopause and cancer.

09:49 Women should communicate symptoms for improved treatment.

13:21 Movement is key for well-being and mood.

17:58 Low oestrogen leads to osteoporosis risk.

23:52 Use cold first, then heat for inflammation.

25:06 Encourage varied diet, consider supplements for nutrients.

33:12 Nutrition and supplements are vital during illness.

37:09 Treating joint pain in cancer survivors, the options.

40:17 Survivors carry heavy self-care burden, seek recognition.

About Dani:

The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. 

There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences. 

I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.

Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field. 

And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.

So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.

More educated, better informed and less alone.

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub