May 18, 2026

Episode 385: Real Talk: Oh Joy, It’s Menopause

41 minutes

Menopause – it may be the most unwanted time in a woman’s life. It arrives with a vengeance, forcing all kinds of emotional, hormonal and bodily changes onto women as they approach their 50s. But for women going through breast cancer treatment, it can arrive even earlier and be even more unwanted. The good news is no one has to suffer in silence.

Today's guests are Dr. Makeba Williams, the incoming president of The Menopause Society, and Claudia McConnell, a breast cancer survivor who was forced into menopause during breast cancer treatment at age 37.

Key takeaways

Breast cancer treatment can trigger sudden and emotionally overwhelming early menopause

Menopause symptoms after cancer treatment are real, serious, and treatable.

Mental health support is a critical part of breast cancer survivorship care.

Open conversations help reduce stigma and empower women to seek support.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to breast cancer and menopause realities

04:29 Claudia’s breast cancer diagnosis and sudden menopause at 37

15:42 Why survivors shouldn’t suffer through menopause symptoms alone

19:20 New menopause treatments and advances for breast cancer survivors

21:07 Sleep disruption, insomnia, and menopause management strategies

24:07 Estrogen creams, vaginal health, and treatment decision-making

30:19 BRCA2, talking to children about cancer risk, and family support

39:05 Final advice for women navigating menopause after breast cancer

Learn more at realpink.komen.org and komen.org

breastcancer #menopause #survivorship #womenshealth #cancersupport #realpink

Real Pink, by Susan G. Komen, shares real stories and expert insights to support people navigating breast cancer, from diagnosis through survivorship.

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By Susan G. Komen

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