What No One Tells You About Menopause After Cancer
Hot flushes, brain fog, painful intimacy—these symptoms are tough enough in menopause, but after cancer they can feel overwhelming. What happens when treatment triggers menopause overnight and the system isn’t set up to help you cope?
In this honest and empowering conversation, Dr Shauna Watts talks with Dani Binnington—cancer survivor, author, and founder of Menopause and Cancer—about the realities of life after treatment. Together they explore the myths around HRT safety, the silence surrounding sexual health, and the small steps that can restore confidence and control.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why menopause after cancer can be harder than the cancer itself
- How treatment-induced menopause impacts hormones and identity
- The truth about HRT safety and current evidence
- Why vaginal estrogen can be life-changing and often safe
- How to approach doctors about hormone and non-hormone options
- The lifestyle shifts that make recovery easier
- Why community and advocacy matter for survivorship
Whether you’re a survivor, a health professional, or someone supporting a loved one, this episode offers evidence, empathy, and hope—reminding every woman that she deserves to feel well again.
For more from Dani Binnington:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dani_binnington/Podcast: https://menopauseandcancer.org/podcast/You can find also more resources from Menopause and Cancer:Website: https://menopauseandcancer.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menopause_and_cancer/Follow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: www.allaboutyoupod.com.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawatts https://www.instagram.com/drshaunawattsgpLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shauna-watts-a903a5247Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.00:00 – Welcome & Why This Topic Matters00:36 – Understanding Menopause After Cancer01:10 – Dani Binnington’s Personal Cancer Journey01:41 – What the Community Survey Reveals02:30 – The Hidden Gap in Cancer Care03:32 – Creating the Menopause & Cancer Podcast04:15 – Founding the Menopause & Cancer Organisation05:38 – Why Open Conversations Are Essential06:38 – Launching World Menopause & Cancer Day09:20 – How Menopause Symptoms Impact Recovery11:08 – Hormone Therapy: What Women Need to Know11:42 – The Importance of Patient-Centred Care15:11 – Myths About Menopause After Breast Cancer17:28 – Why Personalised Care Matters Most24:53 – Facing Fears Around Hormone Therapy25:32 – The Struggle to Access HRT Support29:34 – What Evidence Says About HRT Safety30:27 – HRT Risks and Breast Cancer Facts31:33 – Menopause, Intimacy & Relationships After Cancer32:17 – Community Stories & Coping Strategies35:53 – Exploring Alternative Therapies & Self-Care39:00 – Key Takeaways & Closing Reflections* Menopause after cancer* HRT after breast cancer* Dani Binnington interview* Menopause and Cancer community* Vaginal estrogen safety* Endocrine therapy side effects* Hormone replacement therapy myths* Sexual health after cancer* Cancer survivorship support* Early menopause after chemotherapy* Menopause symptoms and intimacy* Dr Shauna Watts podcast* Navigating Menopause After Cancer book* Oncology menopause care* Women’s health after cancer
