The Menopause and Cancer Podcast

Who controls what happens between women’s legs after menopause?It’s a confronting question, but one that sits at the heart of this episode.In this short, powerful conversation, I am joined by menopause specialist and sexologist Dr Angela Wright to explore why so many women — particularly those who have had cancer — are still being denied access to vaginal and vulval oestrogen treatments. And why we’re not routinely having the conversation about sexual health after cancer treatment.Despite being widely recognised as one of the most effective and low-risk treatments for genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM), access remains incredibly low. Many women are left navigating pain, dryness, recurrent infections, loss of sexual function, and a deep impact on identity and relationships — often without being offered treatment. Or they’re told ‘no’.This episode explores:Why are women not allowed to make an informed choice about their intimate health?The realities of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) — and why it’s more than “just dryness”The added complexity for women on treatments like aromatase inhibitors (e.g. Letrozole)The emotional and relational impact of untreated symptomsHow history, culture, and medical caution continue to shape women’s access to careThe growing body of guidance suggesting low-dose vaginal hormones may be appropriate for many women, including after breast cancerThe balance between clinical responsibility and patient autonomyThis is not a black-and-white conversation. It’s not about right or wrong.It’s an invitation — to think, to question, and to open up more honest, informed conversations between patients and healthcare professionals.Because at its core, is it about choice?Links mentioned in this episode:You can find Dr Wright here: https://spicedpearhealth.co.uk/about/Sweetness of Venus: A history of the clitoris book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sweetness-Venus-History-Clitoris/dp/B08W3NZ1H9Women’s Health Made Easy Book: for Healthcare Professionals, click hereMore information about vaginal oestrogen after breast cancer: https://menopauseandcancer.org/navigating-vaginal-oestrogen-after-breast-cancer-what-every-woman-needs-to-know/Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro05:36 Doctor's journey and women's health08:17 Challenges of Menopause Treatment10:32 Debating hormone prescription guidelines14:25 Discussing medical trauma and autonomy18:19 Discussing bodily agency and benefits21:18 Reclaiming life after trauma24:31 Understanding compliance with endocrine therapies26:42 Valuing women's opinions in healthcare29:48 Discussing erectile dysfunction post-cancer34:39 Opening conversations on sexual healthConnect 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

Do you know your rights to work after a cancer diagnosis and with ongoing menopause symptoms?From navigating time off, to returning to work, to managing menopause symptoms in the workplace, it can feel overwhelming to know what your rights are and what support you should expect.I’m joined by Barbara Wilson, from Working With Cancer, who brings over 50 years of experience supporting people through cancer at work.Together, we break this down in a really practical way— so you can feel more informed and more confident in advocating for yourself.In this episode, we cover:Whether cancer is automatically considered a disability under UK lawYour rights when returning to work after treatmentWhat a good return-to-work plan should actually look likeWhat “reasonable adjustments” mean — and real-life examplesWhat counts as discrimination in this contextHow much do you need to disclose about your diagnosis (including when applying for a job)Whether menopause is recognised as a disability under UK lawHow treatment-induced menopause after cancer is considered in the workplaceWhether employers are expected to support menopause symptomsEpisode Highlights:00:00 Introduction06:31 Supporting employees with cancer08:07 Discussing cancer diagnoses and menopause13:38 Creating flexible workplace plans15:29 Discussing cancer disclosure at work20:23 Discussing return to work planning22:00 Discussing phased return to work28:48 Supporting employees with health challenges31:22 Menopause and post-cancer life changes37:16 Flexible work schedule adjustments43:07 Reevaluating work after cancer diagnosis44:39 Easing back into work47:52 Disclosing cancer to an employerLink to Working with Cancer: https://workingwithcancer.co.uk/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

In this very special community conversation, I sit down with a group of incredible women from our Menopause and Cancer community to explore something so many of us struggle with after cancer treatment… identity. I’m so grateful the group allowed me to get this conversation out to you! Lucky us.Who are we now?Together, we talk openly about the physical and emotional changes that can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves — from body image and confidence, to work, relationships, grief, loss, purpose and rebuilding.Rather than bringing in an expert, I thought it might be best to just have an honest conversation, share experiences and learn from one another. Because the wisdom in our community is WONDERFUL!What became clear throughout this discussion is that so many of us are living in what I call “the messy middle” — no longer who we were before cancer, but not yet fully arrived in who we are becoming.If you’ve ever felt lost, changed, disconnected or uncertain about your place in the world after treatment, this episode is for you.YouTube Wellness Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsUEBZ4ZwowoJ0t4pV-gmwGSqruDPm-2P&si=7UE81giK-2v5eByMEpisode 214 - What It Really Feels Like & And Your Questions Answered: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-214-what-it-really-feels-like-and-your/id1631842514?i=1000762984322Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction03:18 Exploring identity and personal growth07:51 The jar and pebbles analogy12:31 Coping with treatment and diagnosis13:49 Discussing challenges of societal expectations16:47 Struggles with overthinking and doubt22:47 Facing the unknown post-treatment23:47 Sharing post-cancer treatment experiences29:24 Reflecting on life after cancer32:42 Coping after a mastectomy35:11 Morning mirror positivity trick40:24 Navigating daily challenges with compassion45:36 Navigating menopause and survivorship47:42 Reflecting on personal growth journey49:40 Focusing on self-care and being presentConnect 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

In this episode, I’m joined by Rob and Andy, two partners navigating life alongside their wives through cancer and menopause.I actually asked in our Facebook community if anyone’s partners would be willing to come on the podcast… and these two were put forward by their wives — earning themselves serious brownie points in the process.This is a really honest conversation about what it feels like to be on the other side.We talk about the overwhelm, the uncertainty, and that feeling of wanting to help but not always knowing how. From the emotional impact to the mood changes, this episode sheds light on a perspective we don’t hear enough about.Because supporting someone through cancer and menopause doesn’t come with a manual — and partners need support and understanding too.And yes - I did bring up intimacy and low libido - and they did not just quit the call! I am so grateful to Rob and Andy! Thank you so much!If this resonates, do share this episode with your partner — so we can include them in this conversation too.This one is for you… and for them.Episode Highlights:00:00 Introduction04:13 Discovering and diagnosing cancer14:49 Discussing menopause challenges and support18:50 Discussing impacts of menopause21:49 Challenges in managing menopause symptoms22:55 Dealing with post-cancer anxiety30:41 Discussing intimacy post-cancer34:43 Importance of communication in relationships37:46 Discussing menopause and HRT advice42:05 Discussing medically induced menopauseConnect 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

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Lisa, founder of Make 2nds Count and The House of Hope charity in Edinburgh, who is living with secondary breast cancer while continuing to support so many others.This is an honest, heartfelt conversation about what it really means to live with ongoing cancer treatment. I ask Lisa if she feels excluded from other menopause conversations and even from the many cancer chats out there.We talk about saying it as it is, the emotional reality of menopause and secondary cancer, and the strategies that help day-to-day, alongside the strength, purpose and perspective that can still exist within it all.Lisa’s work has been a shining light for me personally, especially when I was building Menopause and Cancer and recording this episode while one of our community support sessions was taking place at The House of Hope felt like a real full-circle moment.We also share more about our upcoming Menopause Awareness Day event on the 18th June, which we’ll be marking at The House of Hope. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter here https://menopauseandcancer.org/, and we will let you know of all of our upcoming events!Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro03:55 Founding Scotland's first support center09:31 Menopause and cancer diagnosis discussions12:52 Discussing treatment decisions and surgery18:27 Discussing menopause treatment options20:36 Navigating menopause and chemo challenges26:06 Founding a Make 2nds Count and The House of Hope27:50 Starting a charity from my hospital bed33:34 Charitable collaborations and community building37:59 Balancing work and mindfulness40:25 Menopause workshopLinks:House of Hope: https://houseofhope.org.uk/Make 2nds count: https://make2ndscount.co.uk/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