Has cancer treatment led you to early menopause? Do you feel confused about your options? This podcast hosts conversations with cancer patients, survivors and m...
Episode 153 - Herbal Medicine for Menopause: What Works for Your Symptoms
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 SupplementsWhich Herbal Medicine works for Menopause Symptoms?Deep Dive into: Ashwagandha and Black Cohosh Considerations for oestrogen positive cancer patientsPhytoestrogens – Are They Safe?How to Find Quality Herbal ProductsSeeing a Medical Herbalist – What to ExpectWhy a Holistic Approach is KeyTune in now for a deep dive into the power of herbal medicine!Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro06:13 Understanding Menopause and Herbal Medicine07:52 Herbal Medicine Vs. Supplements16:14 Ashwagandha: Benefits and Uses18:43 "Herbal Medicine for Menopause Post-Cancer"22:00 "Finding a Qualified Herbalist"33:32 Phytoestrogens: Potential and Caution40:19 Research Limitations HighlightedConnect with Dani & Menopause and Cancer: menopauseandcancer.orgConnect with Melinda: melindamcdougall.comLinks mentioned in the episode:https://www.careopinion.org.uk/services/g507hhttps://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_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
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Episode 152 - Osteoporosis Risk After Cancer Treatment
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 densityWhen to get a bone density scan (DEXA scan)Medical treatments available for osteoporosisHolistic approaches: diet, exercise, and lifestyle adjustmentsEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro.05:27 Early Menopause Affects Bone Density10:16 Aromatase Inhibitors: Risks and Guidelines15:15 DEXA Scan Waiting Times20:27 Vitamin D, Calcium, and NOG Guidelines24:20 Bisphosphonates: Managing Bone Loss27:32 Managing Medication34:50 Calcium and Exercise for Bone Health38:06 Building Stronger Bones with Weight Training41:37 Discussing Cancer Treatment's Impact on BonesResources & Links:Find Dr Hum here: https://www.mylahealth.co.uk/dr-olivia-humCalculate 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_BwENOGG 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_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
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Episode 151 - How to Heal Holistically
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 effectivelyWhether 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 Intro03:20 Integrative Cancer Care Standardisation07:34 "Dealing with Chemical Menopause"14:24 Cancer: Preparing for the Storm17:35 Support Crucial in Cancer Journey22:52 Challenges in Herbal Medicine Efficacy 26:04 Naturopathic Oncology and Chemotherapy Integration29:15 Integrity-Focused Medical Practice36:06 Cancer Recovery and Positivity39:45 Simple Uplift: Joyful ResilienceHere are today’s links:The Menopause And Cancer podcast on YOUTUBE - subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseandCancer?sub_confirmation=1Find 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_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
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Episode 150 - Smart Goals for Survivors - Making Changes That Last
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 treatmentNobody teaches us HOW to make changesThe importance of lifestyle medicine in managing menopause symptomsHow to set SMART goals to create lasting habitsThe three components of successful behavior changeEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro.06:07 Overcoming Barriers to Healthy Eating12:52 Fixed vs. Growth Mindset14:35 Building Confidence Through Lifestyle Changes18:17 Overcoming Small Anxieties20:23 Understanding and Changing Deep-Rooted Behaviours32:12 Make your goals SMART34:42 Habit Rewards Must Align with Goals41:23 Climbing Your Health Ladder44:18 Prioritise Impactful ChangesConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin 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
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Episode 149 - How Emily Beat her Menopause Symptoms
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 supportEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro.11:18 Frustrations Over Medical Communication15:58 Coping with Unexpected Changes17:31 Medical Dismissal Ignites Distrust22:57 "Menopause: Unspoken Struggles"24:26 Struggling with Menopause symptoms and Life Quality28:14 Health Concerns After Blood Test30:38 Transforming Health: Food & Fitness Mindset35:45 Dieting and Health ChallengesConnect with us:For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
Has cancer treatment led you to early menopause? Do you feel confused about your options? This podcast hosts conversations with cancer patients, survivors and medical professionals to learn about treatments available for women with a cancer diagnosis.
I’m Dani Binnington, after breast cancer, surgery to remove my ovaries led me to early menopause, I had no idea what my treatment options were and who in my medical team could help me figure out what to do about my symptoms. I felt alone and unsupported. It took me so long to discover I had lots of options too.
If only I’d known sooner!
Everything I wish I’d known back then is inside these conversations - so you can make the right choices now.
These episodes are a good place to start:
1. Rethinking Tamoxifen & Aromatase Inhibitors
2. Why I decided to take HRT after an oestrogen driven cancer
2. Alcohol & Me
Menopause and cancer is also a thriving community online and in real life.
Join the Facebook community to connect with women going through the same thing you are: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub
UK