Navigating Menopause After Cancer

Dani Binnington
  • 5.0 (34)
  • Medicine
  • 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. 2d ago

    Episode 241 - From “I Don’t Recognise Myself” to a Future Full of Possibility

    What happens when cancer treatment ends, but menopause symptoms mean you still don't feel like yourself? This week, I'm joined by the wonderful Sue Weldon, founder of Unite for Her, who shares her incredibly honest and inspiring story of life after breast cancer. Sue remembers looking in the mirror after treatment and barely recognising herself. Her body had changed, she was dealing with menopause and a whole host of unexpected side effects, and yet everyone seemed to think she should be celebrating that treatment was over. Sound familiar? What I love about Sue's story is how she turned her own experience into something extraordinary. She founded Unite for Her, a nonprofit supporting people affected by breast cancer through integrative care, and has now written a beautiful book, Heal, Empower, Restore. Sue shares the simple things that make a difference in her everyday life, from sleep and movement to nutrition, community and, importantly, giving yourself permission to rest. In this episode, we explore: Why finishing cancer treatment doesn't always mean feeling betterThe unexpected impact of menopause after cancerHow integrative therapies can support recovery alongside conventional cancer careFinding confidence and reconnecting with your bodyThe importance of sleep, movement, nutrition and communityLearning to say YES to life again This is such a lovely conversation about hope, resilience and recognising that life after cancer might look different, but it can still be full of possibility. I hope you enjoy listening! 💜 Episode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 04:15 Founding Unite for Her nonprofit 06:27 Young adults learning menopause support 10:55 Discussing acupuncture benefits 13:02 Challenges of insurance covering acupuncture 17:14 Discussing cancer treatment decisions 21:42 Deciding on endocrine therapy 30:42 Finding personal balance and support 36:49 Sue’s non-negotiables Resources mentioned: Unite for Her and Sue’s book: https://uniteforher.org/healempowerrestore/Link: Previous podcast episode on oncology acupuncture: Episode 210 - Can Acupuncture Help Menopause Symptoms After Cancer? Looking at the Research 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

  2. Oct 21

    Episode 240 - What Should We Really Eat in Menopause After Cancer?

    Protein, sugar, soya, supplements, inflammation… what should we actually be eating when we're navigating menopause after cancer? Cancer treatment can bring on menopause earlier than expected, and suddenly we're dealing with a whole new set of challenges. Weight changes, hot flushes, bone health, cholesterol, fatigue and brain fog — all while wondering whether what we eat might affect our long-term health or risk of cancer recurrence. And with so much conflicting nutrition advice out there, it's easy to feel completely overwhelmed! In this episode, I'm joined by returning guest, nutritionist and now bestselling author (!!) Julie, to cut through the confusion and help us understand what really matters when it comes to eating well in menopause after cancer. We're playing a game of Yes, No or Maybe?, tackling some of the questions we hear most often: Can changing our diet really make a difference to our health after cancer?If we're already eating healthily, do we need to change anything when menopause hits?Does the type of cancer we've had affect what we should eat?Do we need different diets for our bones, cholesterol, heart health and menopause symptoms?Does sugar really feed cancer?Is soya safe after cancer?What about red meat and dairy?Are there supplements we should be taking — or avoiding?And do we still need nutrition books in the age of AI and social media?! This is a practical conversation about nourishing our bodies, supporting our health through menopause and letting go of unnecessary food fears. Because after everything our bodies have been through, eating well should be about feeling better, not adding another layer of worry. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro and quick-fire questions with Julie 07:11 Addressing food anxiety and confusion 12:04 Mediterranean diet principles overview 18:13 Menopause and dietary support 20:32 Supporting Hormones Through Diet 25:13 Post-treatment weight management struggles 27:59 Discussing cholesterol and endocrine treatment 33:05 Balancing Blood Sugar Levels 36:18 Discussing blood sugar management 37:41 Skipping or delaying breakfast 40:54 Red meat consumption guidelines 48:02 Discussing supplement effectiveness and costs Resources mentioned: Julie's new book: https://amzn.eu/d/034hftyvYou can find Julie here https://www.juliewebbnutrition.org/ Navigating Menopause After Cancer by Dani Binnington https://amzn.eu/d/03rPbPvs Other podcast episodes with Julie: Ep 147 – Which Diet Helps Ease Menopause Symptoms After Cancer? with Julie Webb Ep 161 – Why a High-Protein Diet Isn't The Answer with Julie Webb Ep 190 – Inflammation and Menopause After Cancer: How Food Can Help with Julie Webb 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. Oct 14

    Episode 239 - Weight, GLP-1s, and Cancer: Jenny’s Story with Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky

    This week I’m joined by my lovely friend and community member Jenny Costelloe, alongside oncologist Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, to talk about something I know so many of you will relate to: weight changes after cancer treatment, the struggle to lose weight during ongoing treatment, and the growing conversation around GLP-1 medications. But this episode is really about much more than weight. It’s about what happens when cancer treatment, menopause, joint pain, changes to your body and quality of life all collide – and how we begin to work out what might actually help. Jenny shares her breast cancer story and talks very honestly about the impact surgical menopause and endocrine therapy have had on her body and her life. At one point, she describes feeling almost physically broken – dealing with weight gained through chemotherapy and treatment, reduced mobility and persistent pain that was making everyday life increasingly difficult. We also hear from board-certified oncologist Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, who helps us understand the emerging evidence around GLP-1 medications after cancer, what we know and still don’t know, and why conversations about weight, metabolic health, symptoms and being able to stay on cancer treatment really matter. And I love something Jenny says during our conversation: “This is just about finding the path that works for you individually.” I couldn’t agree more. Episode Highlights: 00:00 Intro 05:35 Navigating menopause during cancer treatment 08:09 Considering GLP-1s and BMI thresholds 12:12 Dr Eleonora Teplinsky’s perspective on menopausal concerns 17:06 Impact of endocrine therapy on weight 17:55 Challenges in weight management and sleep 21:00 Exploring GLP-1s and cancer risk 24:17 Concerns with GLP-1 and lifestyle changes 27:36 Discussing weight loss medication options 32:26 Starting GLP-1s with no side effects 35:43 Reduced alcohol craving on GLP-1 40:17 Struggles with post-treatment life 41:36 Starting strength training journey 44:46 Evaluating cancer treatment effects You can find Dr Teplinsky here: https://www.instagram.com/drteplinsky/?hl=en Dr Teplinsky’s book: Beyond the Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer Is here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/beyond-the-pink/eleonora-teplinsky/9781538777145?sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=57434&awc=3787_1787842057_ae304a0903d89dccf48ecd30b2f05367&sn=1&utm_source=57434&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Easyfundraising And here is the article on GLP1’s Dani mentions in the podcast: https://www.oncnursingnews.com/view/glp-1-receptor-agonists-show-promise-in-asco-2026-research A note on GLP-1 microdosing: The term microdosing does not currently have a universally accepted scientific definition. It can refer to different approaches to dosing GLP-1 medications, and the evidence supporting these approaches varies. Listeners should not assume that microdosing is an established or clinically recommended practice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to prescribed medication.

  4. Oct 7

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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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