Episode 206 - Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors: The Side Effects No One Warns You About

What happens after active cancer treatment ends, when you’re sent on your way with hormone therapy such as tamoxifen or Aromatase Inhibitors and expected to just get on with life?I’m joined by oncologist Claire Macaulay, a breast oncologist whose work focuses on what happens when patients fall off what she powerfully describes as the “treatment conveyor belt.” We’re also joined by a whole group of people from our community who will inform how this session goes.Together we explore:When oncology appointments end, but the impact of hormone treatments on daily life is only just beginning.Why so many people struggle to stay on Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitorsHow side effects can impact quality of life, relationships, and sexual wellbeing, and why up to half of patients don’t complete their prescribed course.How to know the unique benefit for you of being on these treatmentsThis is a compassionate, practical conversation about treatment-induced menopause, being believed when side effects are severe, and how better support could help people stay on treatment without suffering in silence.Please leave us a review for the podcast - it means the world to usYou can also leave a review here: https://g.page/r/CY_ucIbbJqWMEAI/reviewDani’s book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’ https://amzn.eu/d/0eYDBEtBlog post mention: https://menopauseandcancer.org/menopause-post-cancer-relief-from-hot-flushes-and-night-sweats/Episode Highlights:00:00 Intro11:48 "Managing Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk"18:12 Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Hormones25:09 "Balancing Cancer Treatment and Quality"31:46 Longevity, Menopause, and Health Concerns35:02 Menopause, Cancer, and Conflicting Advice42:40 "Diagnostic Holiday for Symptoms"48:52 Tamoxifen vs Aromatase: Bone Health51:26 "Managing Medication Washout Decisions"01:00:09 Managing Night Sweats and SleepConnect with us:For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerFind us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBbJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub Mentioned in this episode:Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/