In this New Year episode, Dani is joined once again by Dr Shilpa McQuillan, GP, gynaecologist and menopause specialist for an action-packed conversation that gives you the tools and confidence to build your own personalised menopause-after-cancer care plan.

If you’ve ever felt lost in the system, unsure what to ask, or left to manage symptoms on your own, this episode will help you make sense of it all. Together, Dani and Shilpa break down what good care should look like, how clinicians can keep the door open even when HRT isn’t an option, and how you can advocate for yourself in appointments.

We cover:

• What a personalised menopause-after-cancer care plan includes

• Key questions to ask — and red flags to look out for

• How to look after your bone health, heart health, metabolic risk

• Managing menopause symptoms without hormones

• Complementary therapies, lifestyle adjustments and realistic strategies

• GSM, sexual wellbeing, lubricants, moisturisers and dilators

• Mental health support, screening tools and psychological therapies

This is the episode to take notes on - a practical toolkit to help you start the year with clarity, confidence and a plan.

If you’re new here, make sure you subscribe, we’ve got an incredible year coming up.

And don’t forget to get your copy of Dani’s book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer, now a #1 bestseller https://amzn.eu/d/en8LLC9

You can find Dr Shilpa McQuillan here on Instagram and https://www.instagram.com/berkshiremenopauseclinic/?hl=en and here on her website www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.com

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

08:51 "Supporting Patients Through Dialogue"

14:01 Individualised Approach to Menopause Symptoms

18:32 "Prioritising Patient Care with Follow-Ups"

22:56 Understanding HRT Beyond Initial Concerns

32:04 "Lifestyle Changes for Menopause Relief"

38:36 "HRT Benefits and Alternatives"

45:36 "Healthcare Awareness and Early Action"

50:56 Assessing Risk Factors in Care

56:02 Empowering Bone Health After Menopause

01:09:11 Anxiety During Menopause: Common Struggles

01:12:29 Practical Local Mental Health Support

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

Why is it so hard to get the right help, ask the right questions, and know what to do when it comes to menopause after cancer?

In this episode, Dani is joined by Dr Shilpa McQuillan, a gynaecologist, GP, and menopause specialist - for an honest conversation about why menopause after cancer remains so difficult to talk about, both for patients and clinicians.

Together they explore what happens when menopause is left untreated, its impact on mental health, sexual wellbeing, and work, and why empowering patients in decision-making leads to better outcomes.

This is the important bit! Your thoughts and feelings and ideas matter! You matter!

Dr McQuillan also shares practical advice and helpful resources for patients and clinicians alike.

As the year ends, Dani reflects on how far we’ve come; and shares a special poem to close with warmth and hope for the year ahead. So make sure you stay tuned to the end.

You can find Dr McQuillan Shilpa here on Instagram and https://www.instagram.com/berkshiremenopauseclinic/?hl=en and here on her website www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.com

For more support head to www.menopauseandcancer.org

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:38 Menopause Symptoms Overlooked in Cancer

07:53 Clinicians' Fears: Uncertainty and Blame

12:11 "Long-Term Cancer Treatment Challenges"

17:03 Cancer Worries and Holistic Challenges

21:25 "Communication is Key for Care"

23:28 Patient Advocacy and Information Struggles

34:32 Navigating Specialist Pathways Effectively

38:29 Empowering Menopause Health Strategies

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

This Christmas Eve, we’re doing something a little different.

Instead of our usual expert interview, today I’m bringing you some of our Menopause and Cancer team — the powerhouses of women behind the clinic, workshops, research, retreats, fundraising, and support you receive throughout the year.

It’s a warm, honest, hopeful conversation about what it really takes to run a small organisation with a giant mission, and the love, courage, chaos and humour that gets us through.

Most of all, we want to say thank you.

For listening. For showing up. For sharing your stories.

For reminding us, every single day, why this work matters.

Please leave a review for us here: https://share.google/6Q6Lkp5vk2ILPYKxz

Wherever you are today — whether surrounded by family, resting quietly, or carving out a moment just for yourself — we hope this episode brings comfort, connection and a sense of togetherness.

Wishing you peace, gentleness and a soft landing into the new year.

With love,

Dani & the Menopause and Cancer Team 💛

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction “Reflecting on Menopause After Cancer"

09:05 Menopause and Cancer Awareness Day Highlights

16:58 The Power of Shared Connection

21:55 "Reflecting on Remarkable Moments"

25:49 "Overcoming Fears Through Support"

29:30 Connecting with Healthcare Professionals

34:20 Mindfulness & Fundraising Initiatives

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

I promise I’m not turning The Menopause and Cancer Podcast into a sex podcast… (well, not entirely 😉).

But when you hear this week’s conversation with Cay, a much-loved member of our community, you’ll understand why I had to share it.

Cay’s story is a wild and wonderful mix of pleasure, perimenopause, cancer, heartbreak, healing, discovery and hope.

We talk about:

Why she thinks I should be wearing sexy underwear under my tracksuits.

The spontaneous post-gym encounter that turned into a big life lesson.

Tantra, trips to Costa Rica, and exploring sensuality later in life.

How menopause, cancer, and GSM symptoms can make intimacy feel impossible.

And how, despite it all, Cay has found her confidence, joy, and her “platinum years”.

So yes, it’s a little spicy, full of adventure… but it’s also deeply human and full of heart.

Thank you Cay!

Here are Cay’s podcast recommendations:

Tantra Made Easy by Shashi Solluna

Speaking Of Sex with The Pleasure Mechanics

Beyond Patriarchal Sex Devashi Shakti

And some websites to explore:

Shamanickink.com. Francesca Gentille and Shadi Terra

DancemeetsTantra.com Spencer Jacobson

TaoTantricArts.com Shashi Solluna and Minke de Voss

Here is Cay’s email in case you want to connect: caychandler@hotmail.com

And for some of our The Menopause And Cancer podcast episodes on sex, pleasure and intimacy go and find episode 145, episode 179 and episode 187.

Episode Highlights:

03:28 "Menopause, GSM, and Resilience"

10:08 Menopause Struggles and Late Relief

15:33 "Challenges, Healing, and Diagnosis"

18:51 "Redefining Intimacy After Chemo"

22:17 Cultivating Self-Pleasure

35:14 Healing Power of Kink

38:23 "Safe Space for Transformative Connection"

43:07 Midlife Women Exploring Sexuality

46:17 Healing Through Movement and Expression

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

This week’s episode is a special collaboration with the brilliant team from Rad Chat; the multi-award-winning, first therapeutic radiographer–led oncology podcast. And they’re with us on the show today!

Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara bring decades of frontline cancer experience, and in this joint conversation we explore menopause after cancer from both the patient and clinician perspective.

Together, we discuss:

• Why menopause after cancer is so often overlooked in oncology
• What clinicians are seeing in their day-to-day practice
• How communication can improve so patients feel heard, supported and safe
• What needs to change for future generations

If you’ve ever wished your oncology team better understood the impact of treatment-induced menopause, this episode is full of “finally, someone is saying this out loud” moments.

You’ll love this one!

A huge thank you to Naman and Jo for collaborating with us.

Find the Rad Chat podcast here: www.radchat.co.uk

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

CPD Reflection Points:

1. Reflect on your understanding of the relationship between menopause and cancer. Consider how this may influence the way you signpost patients for support.
2. Consider how effectively you recognise and manage the physical and emotional impact of treatment-induced or early menopause in people living with and beyond cancer, and what could you do differently to support their wellbeing?
3. Read the Menopause and Cancer survey results.
4. Read the symptoms of Menopause.

Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form.

Links from the Episode:

• Menopause and Cancer
• Navigating Menopause After Cancer: A comprehensive, empowering guide to all your treatment options, where to get help and how to feel better
• Menopause Support UK
• British Menopause Society
• The Menopause charity
• Menopause Matters

Research links from the Episode:

Being diagnosed with cancer is life-changing. But being told you have to stop HRT too? It’s a double whammy that can leave you feeling lost, frightened, and unsure where to turn.

In this episode, I speak with Sarah and Laura - two women who’ve lived through that moment. Laura is six months on, and Sarah is a year into life without HRT. They share their feelings on what it feels like, how they’ve coped, and what they’ve learned along the way.

This conversation isn’t about what’s right or wrong - it is my hope that you will be able to reflect a little on what has happed to you, or learn how a loved one or patient may experience this double whammy of a situation.

HRT can be transformative, even life-saving. So when it’s suddenly taken away, the grief and worry are real. With over 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide every year, thousands will face this same painful dilemma. And currently, there is ZERO support!

I am so proud, that at Menopause and Cancer, we are the only organisation dedicated solely to supporting people through the menopause after cancer. Our mission is to make sure no one is left without options, guidance, or hope.

Unsure where to start?

Tune into podcast episode 178 - Stopping HRT: The Side Effect I Wasn’t Ready For - with Dr Talaulikar

And buy a copy of Dani’s book Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://amzn.eu/d/6Bw8zmT

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

08:54 HRT Discussions After Breast Cancer

17:39 Navigating HRT and Cancer Diagnosis

25:19 Struggles with Cancer Treatment Decisions

32:26 "Cancer, Menopause, and Recovery"

42:11 "HRT Journey and Adjustments"

47:42 "Ongoing Management of Menopause"

54:10 Navigating Life Without HRT

01:00:53 Support After Cancer Journey

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 week’s episode, Dani continues her conversation with Dr Sarah Glynne, GP, menopause specialist, and co-author of the new paper “Menopausal Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients: What Is the Current Evidence?” - to explore one of the most frequently asked questions left after last week’s episode: testosterone therapy after breast cancer.

This is Part 2 of our special series following the publication of the new paper.

In this episode, Dani and Dr Glynne discuss:

What testosterone actually does for energy, mood, and libido.

The studies we have so far - and how reliable they are.

Whether testosterone can convert into oestrogen.

How testing works and when it might be appropriate.

Whether testosterone therapy can or should be used alongside endocrine treatments.

The paper is here: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/9900/menopausal_hormone_therapy_for_breast_cancer.532.aspx

The Meno ABS trial: https://www.londonbreastcancer.com/meno-abc-trial

Find Dr Glynne here https://www.clairemellon.co.uk/dr-sarah-glynne

The episode on testosterone with Dr Rebecca Glaser is Ep 56

The episode with a patient on testosterone therapy is Ep 97

Read all about HRT after breast cancer in Dani’s book “Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ in chapter 6: Buy it here: https://amzn.eu/d/0uLveeE

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:34 "Testosterone Use in Women"

06:16 Testosterone Debate: Data vs. Choice

10:38 Menopause Consultation & Treatment Approaches

17:45 "Testosterone After Breast Cancer"

21:21 Complexity of Menopause Treatment Conversations

23:49 Vaginal Oestrogen

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 week’s episode of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast, Dani speaks with two of the authors behind the new paper, Menopausal hormone therapy for breast cancer patients: what is the current evidence? Professor Jayant Vaidya, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, and Dr Sarah Glynne, GP and menopause specialist.

This is the first of a two-part special exploring what this new paper and upcoming MENO-ABC clinical trial could mean for breast cancer survivors curious about HRT or already on HRT.

Up until recently, most experts thought a study like this would never happen — but it’s happening.

Together, they unpack:

• What’s new about this paper — and why it matters.
• The scientific and ethical concept of equipoise (yes, Dani learned a new word!).
• How the new MENO-ABC trial could change what we know about HRT use after breast cancer.
• What this research might mean for patients, clinicians, and the future of survivorship care.

Next week: Don’t miss part two, where Dani and Dr Sarah Glynne take a deep dive into testosterone use after breast cancer — what we know, what we don’t, and where the conversation is heading.

Links & Resources:

The paper: https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/fulltext/9900/menopausal_hormone_therapy_for_breast_cancer.532.aspx

The trial: https://www.londonbreastcancer.com/meno-abc-trial

Find Dr Glynne here https://www.clairemellon.co.uk/dr-sarah-glynne

Find Professor Vaidya here https://professorvaidya.co.uk/

Watch Dani’s 5-part Youtube series on HRT after breast cancer, start here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heTF5ufX59Y&list=PLsUEBZ4ZwowpAQ1ueFUHlzDvzAtD_hyQr&index=6

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

08:01 "HRT Debate and Its Impact"

09:48 Evidence-Based Breast Cancer Trial

13:46 Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment

16:43 HRT Risks Post-Breast Cancer

20:52 Oestrogen Risks in Cancer Relapse

23:17 "Clinical Trial Equipoise Explained"

29:00 "Expert Consensus and Criticism"

29:47 Collaborative Review Strengthened Research

32:52 Breaking Shame Through Conversations

36:04 Weighing Risks for Quality Life

41:57 "Prioritising Quality Over Longevity"

43:08 HRT and Breast Cancer Relapse Risk

Read all about HRT after breast cancer in Dani’s book “Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ in chapter 6: Buy it here: https://amzn.eu/d/0uLveeE