Breast Cancer & Menopause: A Survivor’s Raw Story from Struggling to Thriving

In this episode, Sonya Lovell, a breast cancer survivor and menopause advocate, shares her powerful story of navigating life after cancer. Diagnosed with breast cancer in her 40s, Sonya underwent chemotherapy and was thrust into medically induced menopause, leaving her unprepared and unsupported.She now uses her experience to advocate for better education and support for women dealing with menopause, especially those going through cancer treatment. In this episode, we discuss the challenges Sonya faced with hormone therapies like Tamoxifen and Letrozole, and how she took control of her health with strength training, hormone therapy, and lifestyle changes.You’ll learn:Sonya’s personal journey through breast cancer and its impact on early menopauseThe struggles of navigating menopause during and after cancer treatmentInsights into the side effects of Tamoxifen and LetrozoleHow strength training and lifestyle changes helped Sonya regain her healthThe importance of self-advocacy in managing hormone therapyTips for women facing cancer and menopauseDiscover the RATIONALE glow. Six Collections, each featuring a unique Complex of essential active ingredients for optimal skin health.Luxury Australian Skincare - Shop RATIONALE and enter the code ‘YOU’ at checkout.https://rationale.com/?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=shaunawattsFor more resources from Sonya Lovell:Visit her website, follow her on Instagram and listen to her wonderful show Dear Menopause on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.https://sonyalovell.com/https://www.instagram.com/sonyalovell/https://open.spotify.com/show/4elaEci8Hlt7UZerIG1yemFollow Dr Shauna and the podcast on social:Podcast Website: ⁠www.allaboutyoupod.com⁠.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutyou_withdrshaunawattshttps://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.00:00:00 - Introduction: Menopause & Cancer Journey00:00:50 - Sonya Lovell’s Background & Advocacy00:02:04 - Sonya’s Journey into Menopause Advocacy00:02:10 - Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Menopause00:06:51 - Cancer Treatment & Menopause Symptoms00:12:06 - Emotional Impact of Menopause00:15:12 - Lack of Empathy in Medical Care00:16:13 - Need for Medical Retraining in Menopause Care00:16:43 - Long-Term Health Impact of Cancer Treatment00:17:36 - Tamoxifen & Menopause00:18:39 - Sonya’s Experience with Letrozole00:19:45 - Cognitive Issues & Physical Symptoms00:23:04 - Cancer Treatment’s Impact on Skin Health00:24:30 - Body Image & Fitness After Cancer00:27:27 - Decision to Stop Medication00:30:48 - Stopping Tamoxifen: Self-Education00:31:18 - Hormone Therapy for Cancer Survivors00:32:42 - Struggling to Access HRT00:33:51 - Family’s Reaction to Health Decisions00:35:37 - Hormone Therapy Experience00:38:06 - Alcohol Risk & Breast Cancer00:39:25 - Vaginal Hormones for Menopause Relief00:41:59 - Testosterone for Menopause Treatment00:43:49 - Key Takeaways from Sonya’s Journey00:45:22 - Advice for Friends & Family00:46:02 - The Misconception of 'Being Better' After Treatment00:47:19 - The ‘Warrior’ Language in Cancer Survivorship00:48:49 - Struggling for Information & Empowered Decisions00:49:26 - Flexibility in Decision Making00:52:42 - Exercise During Cancer Treatment00:53:53 - Strength Training for Cancer Survivors00:55:47 - Strength Training Tips for Beginners00:58:20 - Sonya’s Advice to Her Younger Selfbreast cancer induced menopausecancer and menopausecognitive decline after cancer treatmentvulvar healthhormone therapy after cancerstrength training for women over 40menopause podcast australiapost cancer treatment healthbreast cancer and hormone therapy

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