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