In this New Year episode, Dani is joined once again by Dr Shilpa McQuillan, GP, gynaecologist and menopause specialist for an action-packed conversation that gives you the tools and confidence to build your own personalised menopause-after-cancer care plan.

If you’ve ever felt lost in the system, unsure what to ask, or left to manage symptoms on your own, this episode will help you make sense of it all. Together, Dani and Shilpa break down what good care should look like, how clinicians can keep the door open even when HRT isn’t an option, and how you can advocate for yourself in appointments.

We cover:

• What a personalised menopause-after-cancer care plan includes

• Key questions to ask — and red flags to look out for

• How to look after your bone health, heart health, metabolic risk

• Managing menopause symptoms without hormones

• Complementary therapies, lifestyle adjustments and realistic strategies

• GSM, sexual wellbeing, lubricants, moisturisers and dilators

• Mental health support, screening tools and psychological therapies

This is the episode to take notes on - a practical toolkit to help you start the year with clarity, confidence and a plan.

If you’re new here, make sure you subscribe, we’ve got an incredible year coming up.

And don’t forget to get your copy of Dani’s book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer, now a #1 bestseller https://amzn.eu/d/en8LLC9

You can find Dr Shilpa McQuillan here on Instagram and https://www.instagram.com/berkshiremenopauseclinic/?hl=en and here on her website www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.com

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

08:51 "Supporting Patients Through Dialogue"

14:01 Individualised Approach to Menopause Symptoms

18:32 "Prioritising Patient Care with Follow-Ups"

22:56 Understanding HRT Beyond Initial Concerns

32:04 "Lifestyle Changes for Menopause Relief"

38:36 "HRT Benefits and Alternatives"

45:36 "Healthcare Awareness and Early Action"

50:56 Assessing Risk Factors in Care

56:02 Empowering Bone Health After Menopause

01:09:11 Anxiety During Menopause: Common Struggles

01:12:29 Practical Local Mental Health Support

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

Why is it so hard to get the right help, ask the right questions, and know what to do when it comes to menopause after cancer?

In this episode, Dani is joined by Dr Shilpa McQuillan, a gynaecologist, GP, and menopause specialist - for an honest conversation about why menopause after cancer remains so difficult to talk about, both for patients and clinicians.

Together they explore what happens when menopause is left untreated, its impact on mental health, sexual wellbeing, and work, and why empowering patients in decision-making leads to better outcomes.

This is the important bit! Your thoughts and feelings and ideas matter! You matter!

Dr McQuillan also shares practical advice and helpful resources for patients and clinicians alike.

As the year ends, Dani reflects on how far we’ve come; and shares a special poem to close with warmth and hope for the year ahead. So make sure you stay tuned to the end.

You can find Dr McQuillan Shilpa here on Instagram and https://www.instagram.com/berkshiremenopauseclinic/?hl=en and here on her website www.berkshiremenopauseclinic.com

For more support head to www.menopauseandcancer.org

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:38 Menopause Symptoms Overlooked in Cancer

07:53 Clinicians' Fears: Uncertainty and Blame

12:11 "Long-Term Cancer Treatment Challenges"

17:03 Cancer Worries and Holistic Challenges

21:25 "Communication is Key for Care"

23:28 Patient Advocacy and Information Struggles

34:32 Navigating Specialist Pathways Effectively

38:29 Empowering Menopause Health Strategies

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

This Christmas Eve, we’re doing something a little different.

Instead of our usual expert interview, today I’m bringing you some of our Menopause and Cancer team — the powerhouses of women behind the clinic, workshops, research, retreats, fundraising, and support you receive throughout the year.

It’s a warm, honest, hopeful conversation about what it really takes to run a small organisation with a giant mission, and the love, courage, chaos and humour that gets us through.

Most of all, we want to say thank you.

For listening. For showing up. For sharing your stories.

For reminding us, every single day, why this work matters.

Please leave a review for us here: https://share.google/6Q6Lkp5vk2ILPYKxz

Wherever you are today — whether surrounded by family, resting quietly, or carving out a moment just for yourself — we hope this episode brings comfort, connection and a sense of togetherness.

Wishing you peace, gentleness and a soft landing into the new year.

With love,

Dani & the Menopause and Cancer Team 💛

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction “Reflecting on Menopause After Cancer"

09:05 Menopause and Cancer Awareness Day Highlights

16:58 The Power of Shared Connection

21:55 "Reflecting on Remarkable Moments"

25:49 "Overcoming Fears Through Support"

29:30 Connecting with Healthcare Professionals

34:20 Mindfulness & Fundraising Initiatives

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