WomenWise Health’s Post

So, we need research! The events over the past week or so have highlighted exactly why menopause research is so important. 🧐 The opinion pieces in the @the_lancet_ say the current research isn’t robust enough to support claims made about HRT when it comes to supporting brain and heart health. At the moment HRT is not recommended as a treatment for preventing heart disease or dementia but there are some studies that suggest it may help and others that show no benefit. Many of the studies are observational or lower quality or use older forms of HRT so aren’t all that relevant anymore. So - we need good quality research. There are two ways to get that: 1. Sign the petition calling for the govt to ensure more funding it allocates to publicly funded research bodies like the NIHR is directed towards menopause research. At the moment less than 0.3% of funding has been spend on just 26/7883 studies between 1993 and Jan 2024. The govt has deep pockets and more research on menopause in general (not just HRT) could save them money in the long run! 💵 2. Donate to the Menopause Research and Education Fund on our Go Fund Me page or the website - mref.uk. One of our core mission is to support and foster research to make sure research gets done! So please-dig deep- if you want the answers, let’s get the research done! There should be links in the bio to both the petition and the website. Sign and donate today! #menopauseresearch #menopauseeducation #menopauserelief #menopausesupport

60% of people don’t know that cancer treatment could cause an early treatment-induced crash menopause. That's why, this #WorldMenopauseDay, we're keeping the conversation going so that more women, and their friends and family, can be aware of the symptoms and access the support and treatment they’re entitled to. We hear in our centre just how sudden and debilitating side effects like hot flushes and brain fog can be whilst managing things like work, being a parent and relationships. Help us keep the conversation going about crash menopause by sharing this video. If you’re about to start treatment and have concerns or if you need support with managing the side effects of crash menopause, just come into our centre and our friendly experts can talk you through what support is right for you. To learn more about menopause and cancer, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eN9VwTqa

Every woman’s breasts are different in terms of size, shape and consistency. It’s also possible for one breast to be larger than the other. Get used to how your breasts feel at different times of the month. This can change during your menstrual cycle. For example, some women have tender and lumpy breasts, especially near the armpit, around the time of their period. After the menopause, normal breasts feel softer, less firm and not as lumpy. The NHS Breast Screening Programme has produced a 5-point plan for being breast aware: * know what’s normal for you * look at your breasts and feel them * know what changes to look for * report any changes to a GP without delay * attend routine screening if you’re aged 50 to 70 💖Be Breast Aware… read the full NHS guidance… : https://lnkd.in/eg6KMcnA A Local charity, helping local people. Making a difference

Navigating menopause while battling cancer is an incredibly tough journey, one that requires immense strength and courage. For many cancer patients, treatment can accelerate or trigger menopause, adding layers of physical and emotional challenges to an already difficult path. To all the women facing this dual struggle, your resilience is remarkable. Your journey is unique, and while it may feel isolating at times, you are not alone. There are communities, resources, and people who stand with you, ready to offer support and understanding. At Reframe, our support encompasses more than just immediate treatment—it includes the long-term and ongoing needs of patients. Patients deserve comprehensive care that addresses their well-being at every stage, from diagnosis to survivorship. Reframe ensures that women facing this dual challenge have access to the tools, resources, and community they need to navigate their journey with strength and confidence. Let’s continue to raise awareness and create spaces where those facing both cancer and menopause can share their experiences, find comfort, and gain strength. #CancerAwareness #MenopauseSupport #YouAreNotAlone #WomenSupportingWomen #ReframeSupport

It's World Menopause Day! 🌼 We have various support to help manage menopause with cancer, including our online session at the end of October. During this 90 minute, introductory session, we will explore: 🌱 Why an integrative approach to treatment-induced menopause may be of benefit 🍋 The importance of nutritional support 🚶♀️ The impact of physical activity and pelvic health on side effects and symptoms 🌤️ What people affected by cancer and menopause can do to support themselves emotionally How to book 👉️ https://lnkd.in/eG2M2afH 📅 Thursday 31 October 🕙️ 11am - 12:30pm #CancerSessions #CancerSupport #CancerWellbeing #CopingWithCancer #CancerAwareness #Cancer #WorldMenopauseDay #Menopause #MenopauseAndCancer

BREAST CANCER and MENOPAUSAL HORMONE THERAPY Lessons learnt from the past Most of us automatically associate menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) with an increased risk of breast cancer. But is the connection as clear-cut as it seems? In this episode of the MenopauseWize Podcast we break down: 1.⁠ ⁠What the 2002 WHI study really says about MHT and breast cancer. 2.⁠ ⁠What those numbers mean for a woman going through menopause. 3.⁠ ⁠Why understanding relative and absolute risk is important. 4.⁠ ⁠The actual numbers behind MHT-related breast cancer risk. 5.⁠ ⁠Why today’s hormone therapies aren’t the same as those studied in WHI. Stay informed, stay empowered and be MenopauseWize! #MenopauseWize #Menopause #Perimenopause #WomenEmpowerment #WomensHealth #BreastCancer

As you know, I am passionate about raising awareness around menopause to break down stereotypes, taboos, and stigma. This video explains how “Crash Menopause,” a medically induced form of menopause, can occur at any age after puberty. This highlights the need for inclusive language that recognizes the experiences of individuals at all stages of life. Let’s foster understanding and support for everyone impacted by menopause. Please share this video and do your bit for #WorldMenopauseDay #MenopauseAwareness

🚨 Crash menopause can be a challenging and often misunderstood experience, but it's time we bring it into the spotlight. We’re proud to have been invited by Maggie's Centres to contribute to this powerful video, raising awareness and supporting those affected by crash menopause. Far too many people experience this in silence, without the resources or understanding they need. By sharing this video, you can help us spread the word and educate others about crash menopause. Let’s work together to break the silence, support one another, and make sure no one feels alone in their journey. 💪 Watch, share, and help raise awareness. #CrashMenopause #MenopauseSupport #BreakTheStigma #MenoHealth #MaggiesCentres #Awareness Julie Robinson Beth Rees Susan Copeland Alison Shemwell Holly Edwards MCIPD

Does your organisation do enough to support your colleagues who are experiencing menopausal symptoms? Since 2009, the International Menopause Society (IMS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have designated October as World Menopause Awareness Month. The month was created to spread awareness, break down taboos, improve women's health and wellbeing and highlight support options for people going through menopause or experiencing menopausal symptoms after cancer treatment. The Menopause Charity says that 10% of women quit their job due to menopause and 60% of women suffer brain fog in menopause. They state that 33 million women in the UK will experience menopause. They state: 'But, due to a lack of awareness among the public, a lack of training among some medical professionals and social stigma, their needs during this critical life change are frequently ignored, belittled or overlooked' Does your organisation do enough to support your colleagues who suffer? Find out more on The Menopause Charity's website: https://lnkd.in/dHZxAweY

As Pink October comes to a close, our work in raising awareness and supporting breast cancer survivors continues. I wanted to highlight an often overlooked aspect of the breast cancer journey, which is the menopause. Interestingly, this month also brings attention to this very important phase of life.   Women navigating through their journey into breast cancer often face not only the physical toll of treatment but also profound emotional impacts. When treatment is complete and it’s time to pick up the pieces, a different and difficult reality can hit. One such reality is the menopause. During this time, women often feel unsupported and poorly managed.   A major issue is early or chemically induced menopause, as a consequence of the treatments of breast cancer. Symptoms can come on quite suddenly, and can be debilitating such as the hot flushes, mood disturbances and fatigue. There are also the long term health consequences such as the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and cognitive dysfunction.   Moreover, the emotional ramifications can be significant, with feelings of isolation and vulnerability. The impact on sexual health and potential infertility adds another layer of complexity, and can be devastating to so many women.   Another huge drawback is the restriction in taking HRT, and oncologists are likely to advise against taking it.    Partners, friends, colleagues, and healthcare providers should be pillars of support for women on this journey. A holistic approach to well-being—focusing on nutrition, exercise, and self-care—can bring positive change. Exploring treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), alternative medicine, and non-hormonal options may also offer symptom relief. Additionally, vaginal estrogen can help alleviate distressing symptoms of urogenital atrophy after treatment. If symptoms are severe and life is impaired, it’s essential to have an open discussion with the oncology team and menopause specialists about other possible options. Some women may opt for HRT despite the risks, wanting to prioritise their quality of life. Ultimately, informed decision-making empowers individuals to take control of their well-being and choose the path that best supports their quality of life. Let’s raise awareness and support women in reclaiming their lives post-treatment. Together, we can shine a light on these important conversations and ensure no one feels alone in their journey. #BreastCancerAwareness #PinkOctober #SupportSurvivors #HolisticHealth #WomenEmpowerment #Menopause