In this powerful solo episode, Dani invites you to press pause, tune in, and reflect — while also arming you with clarity around some of the noise in the menopause space. You’ll learn how to check in with yourself emotionally, spot the signs of meno-washing in the wellness industry, and take small but meaningful steps to reclaim your voice and your story.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, deep in treatment, or navigating life years on, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need fixing — you need truth, space, and support.

Make sure to listen to the end, where Dani shares a few nuggets of an exciting new challenge if becoming active with a little support is what you need right now! 

Subscribe to the newsletter here https://menopauseandcancer.aweb.page/p/4cfed538-bdea-4608-b0bf-d35f26bfa946 to stay in the loop with all of Menopause And Cancer’s events and challenges.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

07:44 Menopause Conversations: Beyond Tick Boxes

15:12 Reclaiming Identity Post-Cancer

19:23 Yoga's Healing Power for Survivors

23:00 "Boost 30 Challenge Announcement"

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

In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Walker, a coach and podcast host, but also my very dear friend who has helped me personally so much over the years. 

We talk about the power of friendship and support when navigating cancer and mental health challenges. We explore the emotional ups and downs of survivorship, the impact of anxiety and the role of friends.

Takeaways from our conversation:

Friendship can be a lifeline during tough times.

How coaching can help

Redefining success after cancer to embracing vulnerability

What it really means to be a supportive friend.

Cancer affects mental health just as much as physical health.

Sharing our stories helps us feel less alone.

What’s wrong with ‘assumptions’

This conversation is filled with wisdom, honesty, and hope. I can’t wait for you to listen!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:26 Embracing Vulnerability and Openness

08:35 "Prioritise Big Rocks First"

14:42 Coaching Conversations: Navigating Health Decisions

16:46 Supportive Friendships: Guidance Without Directing

20:12 "Podcast Insights on Assumptions"

31:14 "Reflections on Cancer and Recovery"

33:40 Be the Friend You Seek

Listen to Rebecca’s podcast here https://headflex.co.uk/#83b77e94-775f-4144-ab1b-c69a481a6128 

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

Want to regain strength after cancer treatment but don’t know where to start? 

In this episode, I speak with Sarah Newman, a cancer survivor who has turned her frustration and passion into becoming an exercise specialist for survivors. We’ll talk about how to begin strength training after cancer, what exercises are safe, and how to rebuild muscle after treatment. 

We cover:

The best beginner strength exercises for cancer survivors

How to prevent injury & ease into strength training

The benefits of weight training for bone health and menopause

How heavy should your weights be?

How to stay motivated in your fitness journey

Are heavier weights better than smaller weights and more repetitions?

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:36 Cancer Recovery Fitness Specialist Journey

06:09 Exercise Challenges During Cancer Treatment

15:15 "Strength Training Post-Cancer"

23:26 Post-Cancer Mobility and Strength Guide

27:54 Lymphedema: Wear Compression During Exercise

32:50 Functional Exercises for Everyday Movement

36:16 Weight Training Progression Guide

39:44 Strength Training: 5 Key Principles

42:52 Squat Variations for Leg Targets

46:43 Post-Surgery Upper Body Exercises

48:30 "Lunge Modifications for Joint Comfort"

51:23 "Tea Time Workout Routine"

If you're navigating menopause after cancer and want support, visit Menopause and Cancer for more resources.

Connect to Sarah from Get Me Back here and sign up to her fantastic online program today https://www.getmeback.uk/ 

To follow Sarah on Instagram, go here https://www.instagram.com/getmebackuk/

If you want to find out more of what the evidence of strength training and exercise says on cancer recurrence, watch our YouTube here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8WDtAM-lrg

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Rachel Frankenthal, a board-certified Physician Assistant and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, whose work is transforming the lives of cancer survivors. Rachel specialises in gynaecological oncology at UCLA, supporting women through both cancer treatment and survivorship—particularly those navigating treatment-induced menopause.

But Rachel’s story is anything but ordinary! From her early days as a Broadway performer to becoming a leading voice in survivorship care, she shares how her journey shaped her passion for holistic, patient-centred healthcare. She has played a pivotal role in developing UCLA’s Gynaecologic Cancer Survivorship Program and started a dedicated menopause clinic to support survivors in reclaiming their well-being.

Join us as we discuss the power of integrative care, movement, and mindfulness, and how Rachel is changing the future of menopause support for cancer survivors. This conversation is full of wisdom, hope, and a reminder that the right care can change lives.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:27 Rachel’s Yoga Journey

13:07 Comprehensive Patient Follow-Up Visits

16:51 Post-Treatment Confusion and Anxiety

20:15 Embracing a Healthcare Paradigm Shift

23:13 Menopausal Symptoms in Cancer Survivors

24:30 "Advocating Awareness in Cancer Care"

29:09 Empowering Mid-Level Providers in Oncology

31:42 Yoga Program Reduces Treatment Side Effects

35:35 Community Healing Through Connection

38:17 Normalising Post-Cancer Intimacy Challenges

Find Rachel here https://www.instagram.com/rachelfrankenthal/ 

Attached are resources: 

• The British Gyn Cancer Society Guidelines https://thebms.org.uk/publications/bms-guidelines/management-of-menopausal-symptoms-following-treatment-of-gynaecological-cancer/

- Here's the link to Rachel’s course "Hormone Therapy for Gyn Cancer Survivors": 

https://heatherhirschacademy.com/course/managing-hormone-therapy-for-gynecologic-cancer-survivors/

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

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Liz O’Riordan, a former breast cancer surgeon, three-time cancer survivor, and author of The Cancer Roadmap: Real Science to Guide Your Treatment Path. Liz shares the motivation behind her latest book, and the most common myths surrounding cancer, treatment, and menopause.

We discuss the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis and evidence-based insights into controversial topics like diet, turmeric, juicing, alternative therapies, and HRT after cancer. We also talk about deodorants and clean skin care and I share with Liz why I can’t quite believe that ‘normal skincare’ including parabens and aluminium, make no difference. 

Liz also breaks down key misconceptions:

“Menopause after cancer is the same as natural menopause.”

“Now you’ve had cancer, you can’t just take HRT.”

“Your menopause symptoms will settle down over time.”

“If you’re young, your body will just bounce back.”

“You should just be grateful you survived.”

“Tamoxifen is just a little white pill—what’s the big deal?”

"Sex and Intimacy Are Over After Cancer and Menopause”

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

10:19 Cancer: A Slow, Unseen Process

17:24 Turmeric Supplements: Absorption Challenges

20:10 Exposing the Juicing Myth

25:15 Parabens: Safety in Skin Absorption

31:50 Tamoxifen Side Effects

35:21 Empowered Patients: Advocating for Change

39:40 Struggle with Hormone Blocker Side Effects

52:38 Understanding Your Motivations for Health Choices

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

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Melinda McDougall, a registered Medical Herbalist. Melinda has analysed hundreds of research papers on herbal medicine and menopause to uncover what truly works for some of our most bothersome menopause symptoms. Today, she brings that knowledge to us so that we can find out what considerations we have to make when also dealing with the complexities of a cancer diagnosis.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• How Herbal Medicine Differs from Supplements
• Which Herbal Medicine works for Menopause Symptoms?
• Deep Dive into: Ashwagandha and Black Cohosh 
• Considerations for oestrogen positive cancer patients
• Phytoestrogens – Are They Safe?
• How to Find Quality Herbal Products
• Seeing a Medical Herbalist – What to Expect
• Why a Holistic Approach is Key

Tune in now for a deep dive into the power of herbal medicine!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:13 Understanding Menopause and Herbal Medicine

07:52 Herbal Medicine Vs. Supplements

16:14 Ashwagandha: Benefits and Uses

18:43 "Herbal Medicine for Menopause Post-Cancer"

22:00 "Finding a Qualified Herbalist"

33:32 Phytoestrogens: Potential and Caution

40:19 Research Limitations Highlighted

Connect with Dani & Menopause and Cancer: menopauseandcancer.org

Connect with Melinda: melindamcdougall.com

Links mentioned in the episode:

https://www.careopinion.org.uk/services/g507h

https://nimh.org.uk/

https://www.melindamcdougall.com/

https://menopauseandcancer.org/herbal-medicine-for-menopause-after-cancer-current-research/

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

Are your bones at risk after cancer treatment? Many cancer survivors experience bone loss due to treatments that affect hormones and bone density. In this episode, we break down what you need to know about osteoporosis, how to assess your risk, and the steps you can take to protect your bone health.

Our expert guest, Dr. Olivia Hum, is a GP specialising in women’s and sexual health, an accredited British Menopause Society Menopause Specialist, and a member of the BMS Medical Advisory Council. She recently contributed to The Guardian on this topic—read the article here: Feel It in Your Bones: Taking the Pain Out of Osteoporosis.

What we cover:

• How cancer treatments impact bone density
• When to get a bone density scan (DEXA scan)
• Medical treatments available for osteoporosis
• Holistic approaches: diet, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

05:27 Early Menopause Affects Bone Density

10:16 Aromatase Inhibitors: Risks and Guidelines

15:15 DEXA Scan Waiting Times

20:27 Vitamin D, Calcium, and NOG Guidelines

24:20 Bisphosphonates: Managing Bone Loss

27:32 Managing Medication

34:50 Calcium and Exercise for Bone Health

38:06 Building Stronger Bones with Weight Training

41:37 Discussing Cancer Treatment's Impact on Bones

Resources & Links:

Find Dr Hum here: https://www.mylahealth.co.uk/dr-olivia-hum

Calculate your fracture risk here https://frax.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/

The Royal Society for Osteoporosis is here https://theros.org.uk/how-you-can-help/become-a-member/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAqrG9BhAVEiwAaPu5zpyb0-iN-8QxJX4Z6P-Ggq_KCAFHSIy_f4z88uBXsC9fxij4J1tJSBoCn38QAvD_BwE

NOGG Guidelines are here https://www.nogg.org.uk/

If you're navigating menopause after cancer and want support, visit Menopause and Cancer for more resources.

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

Navigating menopause after cancer treatment comes with unique challenges, and finding the right support can make all the difference. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Laura James, a board-certified naturopathic oncologist with over 20 years of experience in integrative cancer care. No one mentioned to Laura that her own medical treatment would stop her ovaries from functioning when she was a young woman of 26, so she knows what many of us experience. 

The total void of what it is to navigate menopause after cancer!

Together, we explore:

- What integrative medicine looks like in practice for cancer survivors experiencing menopause

- How evidence-based therapies—like nutrition, botanical medicine, stress management, and lifestyle modifications—can ease menopause symptoms and enhance recovery

- Practical steps for building a team that blends conventional treatment with integrative approaches

- How to find trustworthy providers and navigate cost and insurance challenges

- Tips for incorporating complementary therapies safely and effectively

Whether you’re struggling with symptoms like hot flushes, joint pain, brain fog, or fatigue—or simply want to feel more in control of your care—this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed choices.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:20 Integrative Cancer Care Standardisation

07:34 "Dealing with Chemical Menopause"

14:24 Cancer: Preparing for the Storm

17:35 Support Crucial in Cancer Journey

22:52 Challenges in Herbal Medicine Efficacy 

26:04 Naturopathic Oncology and Chemotherapy Integration

29:15 Integrity-Focused Medical Practice

36:06 Cancer Recovery and Positivity

39:45 Simple Uplift: Joyful Resilience

Here are today’s links:

The Menopause And Cancer podcast on YOUTUBE - subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseandCancer?sub_confirmation=1

Find Dr. James here https://www.laurajamesnd.com/ Dr. James specialises in helping patients build integrative medical teams that complement conventional cancer treatments while supporting overall well-being.

If you find this episode helpful, please share it with someone who needs it and leave us a review—it helps us reach more people who could benefit from this conversation!

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

Many of our listeners are on a quest to improve their menopause symptoms and overall health, trying this and trying that. But as we all know, making lasting lifestyle changes can be tough—especially after cancer treatment. In this conversation, we explore how to turn good intentions into real, lasting habits that will help improve your health, reduce the risk of recurrence, and manage menopause symptoms.

I speak with Nienke Lees, a GP who is passionate about lifestyle medicine and helping her patients succeed. We discuss the power of SMART goals and the three essential components of behaviour change that can help you build healthier routines in your daily life. If you’ve ever struggled with making changes to your diet, exercise, or overall habits, this episode is for you.

Key Topics Covered:

• The challenges of making lifestyle changes after cancer treatment
• Nobody teaches us HOW to make changes
• The importance of lifestyle medicine in managing menopause symptoms
• How to set SMART goals to create lasting habits
• The three components of successful behavior change

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

06:07 Overcoming Barriers to Healthy Eating

12:52 Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

14:35 Building Confidence Through Lifestyle Changes

18:17 Overcoming Small Anxieties

20:23 Understanding and Changing Deep-Rooted Behaviours

32:12 Make your goals SMART

34:42 Habit Rewards Must Align with Goals

41:23 Climbing Your Health Ladder

44:18 Prioritise Impactful Changes

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

For more information on Dr. Nienke Lees, who is a medical doctor who offers health coaching alongside her work in the NHS, including a breast cancer recovery program, go here: https://www.thewholehealthmedic.co.uk/ or here on Instagram @thewholehealthmedic

In today’s conversation, I speak to Emily Lunn who shares her personal journey through breast cancer and the challenges she faced with surgical menopause. Emily managed to find strategies to ‘win over her menopause’ as she says and I am so excited to share her story with you.

We also talk about feelings of low mood and suicidal thoughts and so please listen with caution if you are struggling at the moment. Emily came to one of our workshops last year and had little hope that what she would learn would be of benefit to her - but the day was the beginning of a wonderful new journey for her - Emily is one inspiring woman! This is a story of hope and resilience. Enjoy!

Listen to Episode 147 with Julie Webb: Which diet helps ease menopause symptoms for more support

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

11:18 Frustrations Over Medical Communication

15:58 Coping with Unexpected Changes

17:31 Medical Dismissal Ignites Distrust

22:57 "Menopause: Unspoken Struggles"

24:26 Struggling with Menopause symptoms and Life Quality

28:14 Health Concerns After Blood Test

30:38 Transforming Health: Food & Fitness Mindset

35:45 Dieting and Health Challenges

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