In today’s episode, I want to discuss the use of antidepressants for the management of menopause symptoms once you’ve had a cancer diagnosis. 

I am joined by the most incredible breast doctor, Dr Alison Macbeth, who runs a busy open-access breast clinic in Glasgow.

Before I invite Alison in I want to run through some examples with you that always come up in conversations with women when I run my workshops, at our Empowered Menopause programs and in our Facebook group. What applies to the management of menopause for a woman in perimenopause and natural menopause does not apply to us. So we almost have two ‘re-think’ and ‘un-learn‘ some general beliefs and we must address how we feel emotionally and what our concerns are around the use of antidepressants. 

After that, with the incredible help of Dr. Macbeth we are all ready to roll … dare I say.

Making more informed decisions specifically for someone in Menopause who has had a cancer diagnosis.

You can find Alison here https://thebms.org.uk/clinic/stobhill-hospital-breast-unit/

And here https://menopausecare.co.uk/dipl-team-member/associate-dr-alison-macbeth/

Here are the highlights:

(00:37) Introduction

(11:26) Alison describes her background

(13:47) First-line treatments

(16:00) Antidepressants that Alison prescribes for menopause symptoms 

(18:37) Using antidepressants for menopausal symptoms

(20:10) Do a three-month trial and start slow

(21:48) Women may be hesitant to take more medication after cancer treatment 

(23:43) Can antidepressants really improve someone’s quality of life?

(27:18) How long should people try and stay on this medication?

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 Dani:

Instagram @healthywholeme  

Facebook: @healthywholeme  

Join Dani’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

For oodles of inspiration, healthy recipes, yoga classes and all round positivity go to her website: https://www.healthywholeme.com/