In today’s episode, we tackle a situation many of us in the menopause and cancer community face: What do you do when doctors’ opinions divide?

It’s a common experience to receive conflicting advice from healthcare professionals, and that can be confusing, frustrating and scary especially when you’re navigating menopause after a cancer diagnosis.

I am joined by author and breast cancer survivor Rosamund Dean who has made this experience herself. We are going to mull over what we can do to navigate a challenging situation like this.

We will talk about:

• Why doctors may disagree on treatment plans and how to understand those differences.
• How to advocate for yourself when medical advice feels unclear or overwhelming.
• The importance of second (or third) opinions and how to approach them with an open mind.
• Practical strategies for researching treatment options and weighing the pros and cons.
• Community insights from women who’ve faced similar challenges, sharing what helped them make informed decisions.

Episode Highlights:

00:00Intro.

05:47 Five months of chemo, mastectomy, radiotherapy, capecitabine.

09:41 Early menopause increases bone health concerns.

11:48 Oncologist encourages seeking second opinions for treatment.

17:40 Menopause isn't always initial focus when treating cancer.

22:53 Meeting about ovary removal due to family history

34:13 Healthy diet: Vegetables, minimal processed, quality meat.

38:28 We all muddle through uncertainty together.

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

Rosamund’s book ReConstruction is here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reconstruction-rebuild-breast-cancer-diagnosis/dp/0008585202

Rosamund’s Substack is here https://rosamunddean.substack.com/

A big thanks to our trusted sponsor, The Better Menopause. I’m excited to share their amazing product, The Better Gut with you. Most women don’t realize that gut health and menopause symptoms are intrinsically linked—keeping your gut happy is the foundation for overall health, through all stages of life. The Better Gut is a daily capsule packed with a unique, science-backed probiotic blend designed to survive stomach acid, reach your gut alive and help improve symptoms such as bloating, hot flushes and anxiety.

Go check them out - The Better Gut is a big help for many https://thebettermenopause.com/products/better-gut?selling_plan=690396627248

Has anyone here experienced raised cholesterol levels as a result of menopause since cancer treatment or as a result of being on an aromatase inhibitor?

I’m horrified that so many of us are getting high cholesterol and nobody has warned us this may be something to look out for.

In this episode, I invite longevity dietician Barbie Boule onto the show to discuss the topic of cholesterol, particularly about cancer survivors and menopause. We address the confusion surrounding cholesterol and its importance and Boule addresses strategies that can help - from medication to diet.

This conversation also covers the role of saturated fat and fibre in cholesterol management, the potential use of supplements, and the limitations of herbal preparations.

Overall, the episode provides practical advice and encourages listeners to take control of their metabolic health.

A big thanks to our trusted sponsor, The Better Menopause. I’m excited to share their amazing product, The Better Gut with you. Most women don’t realize that gut health and menopause symptoms are intrinsically linked—keeping your gut happy is the foundation for overall health, through all stages of life. The Better Gut is a daily capsule packed with a unique, science-backed probiotic blend designed to survive stomach acid, reach your gut alive and help improve symptoms such as bloating, hot flushes and anxiety.

Go check them out - The Better Gut is a big help for many https://thebettermenopause.com/products/better-gut?selling_plan=690396627248

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

04:18 Menopause disrupts metabolism, and requires close health monitoring.

06:24 Evaluate medication's benefits versus potential side effects.

15:03 Adopt mini-habits, limit saturated fats, improve cholesterol.

17:23 Balanced, colourful eating with phytonutrients is beneficial.

28:08 Cancer treatments impact cholesterol; awareness is crucial.

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

You can find Barbie Boule here https://barbieboules.com/

Thank you to The Better Menopause for sponsoring this episode.

Can’t fall asleep? Waking up in the middle of the night? Can cancer treatment-induced menopause cause you sleep issues? Do you have insomnia?

Dr. Zoe Schaedel, a sleep and menopause expert, discusses the impact of cancer and menopause on sleep and offers insights into managing sleep problems.

Sleep disturbances are common among cancer survivors and menopausal women, with up to 70% experiencing sleep problems. While sleep hygiene practices can be helpful for improving sleep, they may not be enough to treat sleep disorders like insomnia.

Dr. Schaedel highlights the importance of diagnosing insomnia and exploring psychological treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTI). She also discusses the role of medication, such as sedating antidepressants and newer treatments like Daridorexant, in managing sleep problems. Additionally, she addresses the impact of melatonin, magnesium, food, caffeine, alcohol, and other supplements on sleep.

You can see Dr Schaedel here in her menopause clinic https://www.mylahealth.co.uk/dr-zoe-schaedel or here in her sleep clinic https://goodsleep.clinic/

The resource Dr. Schaedel mentions is here: https://www.petermac.org/component/edocman/pm-0002-design-v22-web/viewdocument/562?Itemid=0

Here is the Sleepio resource https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/healthyminds/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2019/10/Sleepio-info-for-clients.pdf

Thank you to our sponsors for this episode, The Better Menopause. Their new Good Sleep multi-vitamin supplement isn’t just any multivitamin—it’s a thoughtfully crafted blend of Vitamin D, B12, Ashwagandha, and Magnesium, all designed to help you relax and unwind. Created by a company that truly cares about our community, this supplement is the perfect addition to your nightly routine. Go here for more info https://thebettermenopause.com/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

06:43 Insomnia diagnosis leads to evidence-based treatment.

15:40 Therapy for insomnia examines and challenges thoughts.

22:54 Short-term medication can help but isn't ideal.

24:24 New medication for chronic insomnia, less drowsiness.

30:04 Certain foods may potentially help improve sleep.

33:51 Potential vitamin deficiencies could impact health, including sleep.

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