In this episode, I’m doing something a little different.

I’m sharing real stories of who I met, what went on in our menopause after cancer community, and real experiences of what menopause after cancer actually feels like. The parts that often go unspoken.

• I mull over if menopause after cancer needs a rebrand?
• What does it mean to set realistic expectations?

And alongside that, I’m answering your questions.

From hair to how long does menopause last to GLP-1’s and risk — this is a space to bring it all together.

Because so often, we’re told what should happen…

but not what it really feels like to live through it.

And because sometimes the best meaning advice is hard to implement for yourself - right at the end, I’m reading a beautiful poem to you by Jeff Foster - it’s called: Slow Down Friend.

You’re not alone in this. And there are ways to feel better.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:42 Discussing menopause after cancer support

17:40 Answering listener questions on hair thinning

20:54 Diagnosing and treating hair loss

23:04 Discussing hair fibres and re-growth helmets

25:55 Discussing menopause after ovary removal

29:33 Managing cancer treatment and lifestyle risks

32:11 Considering whole patient health

35:26 Finding solace in the poem, Slow Down Friend

Episode mentions:

Episode 118: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-118-what-is-the-evidence-between-hrt-and-breast/id1631842514?i=1000666722248

Episode 191: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-191-i-cant-shift-the-weight-should-i-consider/id1631842514?i=1000736358058

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

When you’re thrown into menopause after breast cancer treatment, the symptoms can feel relentless: hot flushes, insomnia, anxiety, joint pain, low mood to name a few.

And when conventional options feel limited, it is understandable that many people begin looking into herbal medicine.

But then the confusion starts.

- What herbal medicine actually is — and what it isn’t

- Is black cohosh safe?

- What about red clover and phyto-oestrogens?

- Are adaptogens like ashwagandha helpful — or risky?

- Could herbs interfere with endocrine therapy?

In this episode, we are joined by Melinda MacDougall, a qualified medical herbalist and we will go through all of your many questions.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:50 What Is Herbal Medicine?

18:49 "Holistic Approach to Herbal Healing"

19:57 "Tamoxifen and Herbal Interactions"

24:47 Black Cohosh: Menopause Symptom Relief

29:56 "Skullcap & Lemon Balm Benefits"

33:00 "Black Cohosh for Menopause"

34:38 Holistic Self-Care Matters

41:14 "Sea Buckthorn Supplement Tips"

43:55 "Misleading Supplements"

48:20 "Adaptogens: Stress-Modulating Herbs"

53:26 "Plant Oestrogens"

Here are some helpful links:

You can find Melinda here: https://www.melindamcdougall.com/

Here is an article on herbal medicine: https://menopauseandcancer.org/herbal-medicine-for-menopause-after-cancer-current-research/

Here is a great blog that lists Tamoxifen contraindications: https://owise.uk/tamoxifen-what-you-should-avoid/

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 honest and judgment-free conversation, Dani is joined by cancer survivors Emily and Anita to explore their relationship with alcohol after cancer and during menopause.

Together, they talk openly about questioning drinking habits, attempts to moderate or stop altogether, the social shifts that come with drinking less, and the impact on identity and relationships.

We know that no amount of alcohol is completely safe. Large studies show that alcohol increases the risk of at least seven different cancers, and it can also worsen menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, poor sleep, and anxiety. But this episode isn’t about shame or blame.

It’s an invitation to reflect — gently and without judgement — on your own relationship with alcohol.

Whether you drink occasionally, regularly, or not at all, this conversation creates space to pause and ask: Is this still serving me?

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:41 "Finding My People Alcohol-Free"

13:20 "Alcohol-Free Holiday Journey"

16:37 "Redefining Roles When Sober"

24:34 "Sober Struggle with Moderation"

26:37 "Authentic Connections Without Alcohol"

30:26 Alcohol, Endometriosis, and Regret

32:03 Alcohol, Cancer, and Self-Blame

35:14 "Individual Choices in Health"

41:06 "Sober Journey, New Experiences"

These are the websites Anita and Emily mention:

https://besober.co.uk/ and https://soberbutterfly.com/

You can find Anita here https://yogaandsoundwithanita.co.uk/

And Emily here https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-lunn-4931b3106/

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