Navigating Menopause After Cancer

Dani Binnington
  • 5.0 (34)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

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. 

  1. 21h ago

    Episode 238 - Creatine After Cancer: Could It Help Us Get Stronger?

    Everyone’s Talking About Creatine. But Should Cancer Survivors Take It? Creatine seems to be everywhere right now. But what actually is it, what can it do for our strength and muscle, and the big question for this community: is it safe to take after cancer, and can it help with symptoms of menopause? Today I have two brilliant experts to help us understand both the potential benefits and the safety of creatine after a cancer diagnosis. First, you'll hear from Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, medical oncologist, who helps us unpack what we currently know — and importantly, what we still don't know — about creatine and cancer. The evidence specifically in people affected by cancer is still limited, so this is an important part of the conversation. Then I'm joined by Sarah Newman, oncology exercise specialist and founder of Get Me Back, to take the conversation into the practical world of exercise, strength and recovery after cancer. We talk about what creatine actually does, why maintaining muscle matters so much as we age and go through menopause, and why resistance training is such an important part of the picture. We also get practical: Do you have to lift heavy weights? How often should we be strength training? Can creatine help if you're not an athlete? What type should you take? Does it cause weight gain? And where should someone start if cancer treatment has left them feeling weak, exhausted or simply disconnected from exercise? Because this isn't really an episode about taking a scoop of powder. It's a conversation about rebuilding strength after cancer, understanding our bodies, and finding out what might genuinely help us feel stronger again. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 04:37 Building healthy habits step-by-step 08:13 Building strength after cancer treatment 10:46 Discussing exercise and creatine use 14:59 Importance of diet and recovery 16:54 Concerns about effective muscle maintenance 22:58 Creating supportive exercise spaces 26:34 Rebuilding muscle after chemotherapy 27:57 Incorporating exercise for bone health 32:37 Benefits of strength training 34:30 Supporting diverse health needs Disclaimer: This episode is for education and information and isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare team before starting creatine or any new supplement, particularly during cancer treatment or if you have other medical conditions. Current cancer-specific evidence on creatine remains limited. (Oncology Nursing Society) Here are the links mentioned in this episode: Dr Teplinsky’s article on Creatine: https://drteplinsky.substack.com/p/creatine-supplementation-after-a Find Sarah and her Get me Back Exercise Programs here: https://www.getmeback.uk/ Find Dr Teplinsky’s new book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/beyond-the-pink/eleonora-teplinsky/9781538777145

  2. Sep 30

    Episode 237 - Beyond Tamoxifen and AIs: Are SERDs the New Kids on the Block?

    What if tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors weren’t the only options? For many people with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, endocrine therapy can be lifesaving – but it can also be incredibly difficult to live with. Joint pain, sleep problems, sexual health changes, bone health, weight and metabolic changes can all have a significant impact on day-to-day life. And for some, the question becomes: what else is there? In this episode, Dani is joined by oncologist Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, author of Beyond the Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer, to explore the changing landscape of breast cancer treatment and survivorship. One of the big topics is SERDs – a newer generation of endocrine therapies that are creating a lot of interest in the breast cancer world. What are they? How are they different from tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors? What did we learn from the LIDERA study? And could having more endocrine treatment options eventually make a meaningful difference for patients struggling with side effects? But, as always, this isn't only about the science. Dani also sits down with Rachel Bowman, breast cancer survivor and Director at Menopause and Cancer, to mull over what all of this actually means when you’re the person taking these treatments Dr Teplinsky also shares the thinking behind her new book, Beyond the Pink, which brings together evidence-based, practical information about the questions people often don't have enough time to explore during an oncology appointment. Here are the links mentioned in this episode: Find Dr Teplinsky’s new book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/beyond-the-pink/eleonora-teplinsky/9781538777145 Watch this Substack video with Dr Teplinsky on Serds: https://drteplinsky.substack.com/p/ob-gyn-x-oncologist-session-2-asco Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 04:31 Discussing rising early-onset cancers with Dr Teplinsky 09:05 Discussing limitations of current treatments 11:46 Uncertainty with new treatments 16:26 Acknowledging emotional struggles post-chemo 19:10 Evolving breast cancer treatment 22:07 Cancer treatment advancements discussion with Rachel 24:06 Discussing cancer drug availability 28:17 Managing menopause and cancer treatment 31:52 HRT journey in Dubai 36:08 Encouragement for endocrine therapy patients Connect with us: For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?... Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

  3. Sep 23

    Episode 236 - The 5 Things I Know About Menopause After Cancer

    After more than 200 episodes of conversations with doctors, researchers, therapists, cancer specialists and, most importantly, people navigating menopause after cancer themselves, I’ve learned a lot. Last week, a dream came true, and we hosted our first global menopause and cancer conference for healthcare professionals - and so for this episode, I’m doing something a little different. I’m sharing five things I now know to be true (I know, a bold statement!) about menopause after cancer. Things I’ve learned at the conference and things I’ve learned over the years. You might disagree with me - but here are mine (for today anyway!): There is rarely one “right” answer. Especially when it comes to HRT after cancer, risk and personal choice. Treatment shouldn't mean simply putting up with everything. We need to talk about the impact of treatments such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors — and what can be done to help. The things that might sound “small” can have an enormous impact. Hair, vaginal and bladder symptoms, painful sex, body changes — these things matter. Menopause after cancer isn't just physical. Anxiety, sleep, confidence, relationships, identity and that feeling of “Who am I now?” There is almost always something we can do. We need to look beyond the medical and expand our thinking. From non-hormonal medications and symptom-specific treatments to movement, sleep, psychological support, lifestyle and community — often it's about finding your own combination of things that help. Episode Mentions: Episode 74 - Why Would a Menopause Specialist Who Had Breast Cancer Take HRT? Episode 71 - Combat Hair Issues in Menopause After Cancer Episode 75 - From Anxiety to PRSD with Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro: Four years of podcasting milestones 04:48 Reflection on September's new beginnings 12:47 Discussing treatment after cancer 17:08 Podcast impact on cancer treatment 27:31 Struggling with menopause and mental health 29:34 Finding support in online groups 34:46 Navigating menopause after cancer Connect with us: For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?... Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

  4. Sep 16

    Episode 235 - Why Testosterone After Breast Cancer Is Becoming a Mainstream Conversation

    Ah, this was a great start to such an important episode! I literally did no planning AT ALL! I just wanted to know from Dr Jordan Emont, our guest on today’s show, if there is a common question he gets asked by his patients in his clinic. And after getting such lovely personal insights into Jordan’s life, we ended up having an evidence-based conversation about testosterone after cancer, especially for people navigating menopause after breast cancer. We dig into why access in the US is getting harder not easier and how clinicians think about balancing quality of life with safety when the data is still limited. This episode is so true to all the conversations we have on this podcast because it sits right in the middle of a real-world clinical grey area: patients want relief, oncologists want reassurance, and doctors are trying to make thoughtful decisions without perfect long-term trials. Jordan also shares how this topic is evolving in guidelines, why he thinks testosterone can help some people stay on aromatase inhibitors, and where caution still makes sense. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 09:57 Challenges in Women's Health Narratives 13:37 Differences in hormone treatments 17:25 Aromatase inhibitors in breast cancer 18:55 Discussing testosterone for cancer survivors 23:15 Testosterone use and sexual health 25:54 Discussing health and energy levels 30:10 Long-term safety of testosterone use 32:10 Checking testosterone levels timing 35:58 Balancing safety and quality of life 40:54 Testosterone's role in breast cancer 44:39 Discussing hormone therapy benefits 48:47 Testosterone use after prostate cancer Here are Dr Emont’s links: Here is his Substack about testosterone this which he’s made free to access: https://drjordanemont.substack.com/p/testosterone-after-breast-cancer Here’s Dr Sarah Glynne's paper on testosterone to treat menopausal symptoms: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/10.1097/gme.0000000000002777~use-of-transdermal-testosterone-to-treat-menopausal-symptoms Connect with us: For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?... Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

  5. Sep 9

    Episode 234 - Veoza & Lynkuet: The New Non-Hormonal Drugs for Hot Flushes After Cancer

    “Night sweats. I cannot go on like this. What are people taking who can’t take HRT?” That was a recent post in our community and the replies came flooding in. Venlafaxine. Oxybutynin. Acupuncture. HRT. Lifestyle changes. So many people trying different things to manage debilitating hot flushes and night sweats after cancer. But increasingly, two new names are appearing in these conversations: fezolinetant (Veoza) and elinzanetant (Lynkuet). These newer non-hormonal medicines have been specifically developed to treat menopausal hot flushes and night sweats. But what are they? How do they work? And, crucially for our community, can you take them after cancer? I’m joined once again by the wonderful Dr Zoe Schaedel, NHS GP, menopause specialist and sleep expert, to give us a practical roadmap. We discuss: How fezolinetant and elinzanetant work and why they're different from some of the older non-hormonal optionsWhat we currently know about their use following different cancersSide effects, contraindications and the concerns you've perhaps heard aboutHow to actually access themWhy access can vary across the NHSWhat your local formulary and its “traffic light” classification can tell youWhether your GP can prescribe or whether you may need a menopause specialist or oncologist And for our listeners outside the UK, we also talk about some of the barriers to accessing these medicines elsewhere, including the frustrating issue of insurance coverage in the US. We’ve been following this story for a while… Way back in Episode 46, I spoke to Professor Waljit Dhillo, one of the researchers behind this new approach to treating hot flushes. At the time, these medicines felt like an exciting glimpse into the future. Well, the future is here. People in our community are now taking them and we're hearing experiences like this: “Veoza!! After a year on these, I am starting to get a few again, but still a million times better than before!” So this episode moves the conversation from “What might be coming?” to: Could this be an option for me and how do I get it? Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 06:23 Treating menopause with neurokinin blockers 09:36 Navigating menopause after cancer 12:02 New menopause treatment options 15:15 GP and menopause specialist roles 19:14 Discussing Vioza and cancer treatment suitability 21:59 Discussing Vyosa and cancer treatment safety 24:47 Observing NICE approval process 29:46 Helping patients stick with treatment 30:26 Discussing Vioza side effects 33:41 Discussing Vioza safety concerns 40:00 Access to new prescription approval 40:47 Understanding UK Medication Access Here is more info about Dr Zoe Schaedel: https://www.mylahealth.co.uk/ Other episodes mentioned today: Ep 124 “How to Fix Your Sleep Issues – From Medication to Mindfulness” Ep 143 “Alternatives to HRT. Prescribable Non-Hormonal Options” Ep 146 “Your Plan For Better Sleep.” And have a listen to Episode 46: A Revolutionary Non-Hormonal Treatment for Hot Flushes! with Professor Waljit Dhillo to hear where this story began. As always, this podcast is for information and education and isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please discuss your individual circumstances and treatment options with your healthcare team. Connect with us: For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?... Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

  6. Sep 2

    Episode 233 - When There’s No Right Answer: Making Difficult Decisions After Cancer

    Making difficult decisions after cancer isn’t something we talk about enough. The kind where there isn’t a clear “right” answer. Where every option comes with trade-offs. Where you’re weighing up your long-term health, your quality of life… and sometimes, parts of your identity. In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Jen Delvaux — cancer survivor, podcast host, and founder of a thriving community in the US. Jen’s story is uniquely complex, with both her and her husband navigating cancer diagnoses, bringing a deeply personal perspective on survivorship. Together, we explore the realities of life after treatment — including sexual health, bone health, basically - all aspects of the often-overlooked impact of treatment-induced menopause. You can find Jen here: https://www.jendelvaux.com/ And this is her podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-today-cancer/id1436449587 and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jendelvaux Podcast Episode Mentions: Episode 215 - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-215-bone-health-after-cancer-menopause-what/id1631842514?i=1000764218500 Episode 113 - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-113-the-impact-of-endocrine-disruptors-on/id1631842514?i=1000663146637 Get a copy of Dani’s book here: https://amzn.eu/d/bjU18OM Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 06:09 Living with cancer's emotional weight 08:19 Discussing cancer treatment decisions 12:21 First experience with symptom relief 14:08 Diet and menopause insights 17:17 Balancing health and happiness 19:26 Living life to the fullest 23:26 Coping with cancer as parents 28:43 Discussing osteoporosis diagnosis 32:04 Planning post-treatment support 39:30 Discussing difficult health decisions Connect with us: For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?... Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

  7. Aug 26

    Episode 232 - Normalise it and Stop the Silence Around Medical Menopause

    Let's stop the toxic positivity! Just because active cancer treatment may have ended, we don't have to be endlessly positive and grateful for it all. What comes next can be hard. That's why I invited Jessica Zucker, clinical psychologist, author of the bestselling book ‘Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame that Pervade Women's Lives’ and breast cancer survivor, to talk about the long silence that often follows women through miscarriage, breast cancer, tamoxifen and medical menopause. Jessica and I talk about what it means to live with the aftermath of treatment, when the symptoms linger, the uncertainty stays, and the pressure to keep smiling can feel almost unbearable. We also discuss the hidden toll of tamoxifen, the emotional impact of medical menopause, and why phrases like “you’re a warrior” or “at least” can sometimes do more harm than good. Jessica was so open about how even she, as a psychologist, found the experience of tamoxifen and long-term side effects surprising and difficult. We talk about exhaustion, brain fog, loss of creativity, grief, perfectionism and the illusion of control, and why so much of this still goes unsaid. This is a conversation about naming the harder parts out loud, and making space for honesty, nuance and connection. Key topics The pressure to stay positive after cancer and the harm of toxic positivityJessica’s experience of tamoxifen and medical menopauseExhaustion, brain fog and the emotional impact of treatment side effectsGrief, uncertainty and the pressure to make the “right” decisions Find Jessica’s fantastic book ‘Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women's Lives’ here https://a.co/d/0hLfwz2z Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 04:07 Discussing the stigma of grief 09:08 Getting a life-changing diagnosis 12:43 Discussing cancer diagnosis and treatment 13:54 Discussing tamoxifen 23:10 Therapists seeking therapy for themselves 24:38 Coping with tamoxifen side effects 28:43 Pressure of Being a Cancer Warrior 31:57 Controlling health outcomes reality check 37:30 Coping with grief and aging 42:58 Sharing personal challenges for impact A little favour... If you enjoy listening each week, I'd love to ask one small favour. Would you consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts? Every review helps more people discover the podcast, and with your support we've now grown into one of the top 1% of podcasts worldwide. That's something we've achieved together, and I'm so incredibly grateful. Leave a review here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/navigating-menopause-after-cancer/id1631842514 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3OhAwupemqzdI6sCXCZLSX Thank you for being part of this wonderful community. x Connect with us: For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?... Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBb Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

  8. Aug 19

    Episode 231 - Anal Cancer, Menopause & Breaking the Silence

    Welcome to the first guest episode of Navigating Menopause After Cancer. In the last two episodes, I shared why the podcast has entered a new chapter and reflected on the power of stories: how they help us navigate uncertainty, create connection and remind us that we're never alone. Today's conversation is a really beautiful example of exactly that. I'm joined by Michelle and Becky, two incredible women diagnosed with anal cancer back in 2024. I learned on a previous episode on anal cancer (episode 209) that anal cancer is often surrounded by stigma, shame, embarrassment and silence. It's a cancer that simply isn't talked about enough. And treatment for anal cancer can also induce menopause - so we have to talk about it! Yet despite receiving the same diagnosis at almost the same time, Michelle and Becky's experiences were very different. Michelle openly shared her diagnosis but struggled to find someone else living with anal cancer who truly understood what she was going through. Becky found support from others with anal cancer from the very beginning, but didn't feel comfortable telling many of the people around her she had anal cancer, choosing instead to say she had bowel cancer. Together, they share an honest conversation about diagnosis, treatment, menopause, intimacy, identity, stigma and why sharing our true stories matters. One of my favourite parts of this story actually happened away from the recording. After meeting Michelle in person, I introduced her to Ali who had previously shared her own anal cancer story on this podcast... and something rather special has grown from that connection. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 04:01 Finding support after cancer diagnosis 11:19 Dealing with surgical menopause 13:22 Post-treatment challenges and loneliness 19:17 Rebuilding confidence after cancer 22:01 Adjusting to life after stoma surgery 23:59 Dealing with radiation side effects 28:56 Discussing anal cancer stigma 33:01 Connecting with others on TikTok 40:06 Cancer treatment challenges and recovery 45:06 Returning to fitness after radiotherapy 47:49 Finding support during cancer Links: Find Michelle & Ali’s new anal cancer support here: The Brave Behinds https://www.instagram.com/thebravebehinds/?hl=en Macmillan Anal Cancer Support Forum: https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/anal-cancer-forum Ali Stripling’s episode: Beyond the Pink - Anal Cancer, Menopause & Awareness Day: https://youtu.be/V0_5MedxjKw?si=QB-i9XO1uWhQ1Mwf This podcast episode was supported by an unrestricted grant from Incyte Biosciences. Incyte had no involvement in the development, content, or editorial review of the activities associated with this initiative.

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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. 

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