Let’s get this straight. It is important to know exactly if hormone replacement therapy is an option for you and if not, then why not. Furthermore, we need to make a clear distinction between systemic HRT and local oestrogen therapy. It is important that all cancer patients understand their options and talk to their doctors about their symptoms.

Below are the links about the safety of vaginal oestrogen that you can share with your healthcare provider:

Article "A systematic review of randomised clinical trials – The safety of vaginal hormones and selective eostrogen receptor modulators for the treatment of genitourinary menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors" is now published and is available at https://doi.org/10.1177/20533691231208473

By Prof. Talaulikar 

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2811413

The JAMA Oncology study 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

06:37 No adverse effects from oestrogen use. JAMA study finds no increase in breast cancer mortality with vaginal oestrogen therapy.

10:20 Cancer survivors should seek multiple expert opinions for personalised care.

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

Just because your doctor might have advised you that hormone replacement therapy might not be an option for you, this does not mean your doctor won't be able to prescribe you other medications that can help. 

Here is your summary of non-hormonal prescription options for managing menopause symptoms after cancer treatment which includes a variety of medications such as gabapentin, pregabalin, clonidine, oxybutynin and antidepressants like SSRIs, and SNRIs, which can help alleviate symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, anxiety, sleep and bladder and vaginal problems. 

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

05:18 Antidepressants can help with menopausal symptoms after cancer.

06:58 Antidepressant effectiveness varies; talk to your doctor.

11:43 Prescribable non-hormonal vaginal options for comfort.

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

Managing menopause after cancer needs a multi-faceted two-pronged approach. With that, I mean that most likely doing one thing alone won’t be enough and that we need to be proactive ourselves AND have the support from our medical team. I see the best results when women apply these strategies. 

So let’s look at who that medical team is for you, how an open mindset is going to give you the best outcome and why you really must find a community with shared experiences.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

05:03 Consider all options, influences, and judgments.

09:36 Seek to understand diverse experiences, find support, and empower oneself.

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

Welcome to the first episode of our menopause after cancer crash course! I want to sum up all the treatment options available to you in bite-sized videos so that they can give you an overview right at the beginning of the year. We will then invite lots of experts to help dive deeper int many of the topics - but an overview is helpful in knowing that we have many options!

Before we start looking at solutions, we have to look at where we are at. What are your current symptoms? Join me for this symptom checker exercise.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

05:23 Identifying menopause symptoms and their effects.

08:52 Embracing subtle changes, connecting with ourselves.

10:48 Embrace uncertainty, live creatively, and tap into potential.

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

Over the past few years, I have worked with countless women who are also navigating menopause as a result of their cancer treatment or who have fewer treatment options for their menopausal symptoms because of the type of cancer they have had.

And I’ve seen hundreds make the same mistakes over and over again. So I want to share them with you right at the start of 2024 so you don’t have to waste your precious energy!

Let this episode be thought-provoking and explore what resonates for you.

The top 5 mistakes people make are:

• Too much information
• Failure to Communicate Clearly
• Neglecting Mental Health Concerns
• Reluctance to Seek Second Opinions
• Non-Adherence to Treatment Plans

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

05:55 Focus on yourself, and assess what's working for you.

12:18 Women may normalise mental health symptoms, but help is crucial.

15:33 Consider seeking second opinions in the medical system.

22:30 Consistent lifestyle changes are key to better health.

24:47 Follow advice after careful personal research.

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

We are thrilled to welcome back the incredible Dr. Annice Mukherjee. Our journey began with an episode featuring Annice discussing "Non-Hormonal Treatment Options" when we first launched, and now, we're eager for her to wrap up this year with us!

Dr. Mukherjee, a breast cancer survivor, endocrinologist, and menopause expert shares invaluable insights and empowers us with the knowledge we need to embrace our own power and agency! Her firsthand experience and expertise remind us of our resilience.

Self-care and stress management are often misconstrued as selfish acts, yet they are essential practices that nurture our overall well-being, particularly during times when stress levels soar. Understanding this is especially crucial when navigating menopause after cancer. Embracing self-care isn't a luxury but a well-documented approach supported by substantial evidence in lifestyle medicine. It illuminates how our daily habits — nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep quality, and social connections — profoundly impact our health outcomes.

May this episode serve as the catalyst for you to step into your strength and approach 2024 with the conviction that YOU hold the power to significantly impact your own life and well-being.

Dr. Mukherjee can be found here https://www.instagram.com/the.hormone.doc/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

09:28 Chronic stress can cause many health problems.

16:32 Regulate sleep for better health, hormone balance.

17:48 Avoid blue light, relax before sleep, sunlight.

24:37 Regain control over your well-being and recovery.

29:49 Nutrition and cancer: small changes are crucial.

32:15 Lifestyle medicine: 6 pillars for healthy living.

44:09 Self-care is not selfish, but necessary.

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

This might be the most powerful practice you can do ALL year!

Join me for a powerful practice, one that I have done for several years myself, to get you super clear and focused on how you want to move into the new year and also feeling full of gratitude for the year you have had (even if it was a tough one!).

You will need a journal or notepad and pen and a quiet space in your house.

I will guide you through a series of exercises and questions which will help reflect on this past year, with the intention to give you much more clarity going forward.

This is a potent practice that will support you in defining the lessons and blessings of 2023 so you can manifest an absolutely amazing 2024!

Wear comfortable clothing, make yourself cosy and make sure you will be undisturbed.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to prepare for a purposeful 90-minute reflection session.

06:01 Reflect on 2023, milestones, highlights, and lowlights.

14:10 Finding reward in work, change, and rest.

21:27 2023: Did you connect to your heart?

23:08 Reflect on personal growth and challenges in 2023.

27:41 Acknowledging accomplishments, and support in different areas.

34:12 Let go of fear, forgive, move forward.

42:25 Setting boundaries to share the mental load.

47:53 Affirmations for letting go and self-acceptance.

50:31 Use affirmations to ground and reconnect with self.

52:34 Gratitude exercise helped during challenging times.

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

Tune in as we talk about loss, identity and finding meaning.

In the course of my podcast and broader engagements, I’ve met numerous insightful and touching individuals. However, Stella's insights in this episode resonated deeply, stirring an unexpected shift within me. Her words seemed to reach a part of me that I hadn't anticipated, prompting a profound internal change.

Stella Duffy, a psychotherapist and two-time breast cancer survivor, is not only an accomplished writer with seventeen novels and multiple plays to her credit but also a dedicated advocate for inclusion throughout the UK. Having lived well over twenty years in post-menopause she has a special interest in life after the menopause transition – a conversation sadly lacking in the prevalent current discourse.

This episode is special - so is Stella. 

Psychotherapy: stelladuffytherapy.co.uk

Episode highlights:

• [03:26] Stella reflects on cancer therapy and struggles.
• [10:51] Self-criticism and compassion, navigating life's losses.
• [14:01] The absurdity of gender binary and cancer positivity.
• [18:08] Why is nudity seen as empowering for women?
• [25:01] Losing mortality virginity is irreversible and impactful.
• [33:58] Encouraging clients to reconnect with the body.
• [39:51] Constant fight, anxiety, body distrust, sexual expectation.
• [46:29] Self-soothing by crossing your arms and hugging yourself.

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

I’ve never met a fellow cancer survivor who has not struggled with anxiety. But what is anxiety, what’s depression or maybe what you have is PTSD? Menopause on top of that can make things much worse. 

On today's episode, we’re discussing all the proven and evidence based strategies that can help.

Our guest expert is the super knowledgable Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel, an Oxbridge-trained precision health and integrative medicine doctor with 7 degrees and over a decade’s experience in integrative healthcare and additional training in nutrition, herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, yoga, mindfulness, and other therapeutic approaches. She’s a walking oracle. We’re so lucky to get the chance to speak to her. 

We discuss:

Is there hope in tackling anxiety?

How does anxiety present in patients?

The difference between anxiety and depression? How do I know what’s what?

Evidenced based strategies for managing anxiety? From medication to self-soothing techniques.

Let’s talk about coping with anxiety.

Please follow Dr Fuller-Shavel’s socials and sign up to her newsletter which can be found here https://www.synthesisclinic.co.uk/dr-nina-fullershavel

This is the ONCIO app: https://www.oncio.org/

Notes from Dr. Fuller-Shavel:

GAD-7 link - please see your GP or psychologist with the score to get an additional clinical assessment and support: https://patient.info/doctor/generalised-anxiety-disorder-assessment-gad-7

NICE guidelines for anxiety (general, not cancer-specific but outline treatment): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg113/chapter/Recommendations#stepped-care-for-people-with-gad

ASCO therapy guideline algorithm for conventional anxiety treatment in adults with cancer (US based but very clearly outline psychological treatment options): https://old-prod.asco.org/sites/new-www.asco.org/files/content-files/practice-patients/images/2023-Anxiety-Algorithms.pdf

SIO-ASCO guidelines - algorithms for integrative care of anxiety and depression symptoms in people with cancer: https://old-prod.asco.org/sites/new-www.asco.org/files/content-files/practice-and-guidelines/documents/2023-Integrative-Anxiety-Depression-Algorithms.pdf

PTSD - symptom criteria (please see a professional as soon as possible if you feel these apply to you for a full psychological assessment): https://www.brainline.org/article/dsm-5-criteria-ptsd

Episode highlights:

• [10:39] Anxiety symptoms include panic, palpitations, and catastrophising.
• [15:37] Self-care and seeking external support are essential.
• [24:39] Psychologist recommends an integrated approach for personalised therapy.
• [29:27] Guideline for cancer-related anxiety and depression treatments.
• [33:23] Tips for managing anxiety through accessible resources.
• [40:08] CBD may interact with medications, caution is advised. 
• [48:41] Trauma intervention is needed for cancer patients.
• [59:39] Joy is in the present, not the future.

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

I am pleased to invite Dr. Corinne Menn to the show today. Dr, Menn is a certified gynaecologist, a North American Menopause Society certified menopause specialist and a breast cancer survivor herself who decided to take HRT. Dr. Menn shares her struggles of survivorship with us, talks us through her decision-making processes of over 20 years of being a cancer survivor and she tackles this controversial topic with us.

We talk about: 

Dr. Menn’s personal journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer as a young medical student.

Why tamoxifen is not a hormone blocker.

Having a drug break to try for a baby.

The different experiences of being on endocrine treatment. 

Why we don’t always make decisions based on facts alone.

Why she decided that HRT was worth a try.

You can find Dr. Corinne Menn here. Or here on her Instagram. 

Subscribe to the Menopause and Cancer YouTube Channel here.

Episode Highlights:

[07:35] Dr Menn paused endocrine therapy.

[13:45] Tamoxifen blocks receptor stimulation, which has multiple effects.

[29:15] We should focus on science, evidence; concern for survivors.

[35:16] Lack of communication on treatment side effects is unacceptable.

[51:14] Get informed about your breast cancer treatment.

[55:57] Breast cancer survivors deserve informed decision-making.

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