The realities of menopause

We’re lucky enough to now have a Menopause Guru at the centre. We’re holding quarterly ‘Menopause in cancer’ talks with certified menopause champion Katerina Skapoullis.

Before we go on, it’s good to know the types of cancer, if you didn’t already know (don’t worry, many don’t). There are three types of menopause:

• Natural Menopause – Caused by naturally ageing.
• Medical Menopause – Caused by treatment, for example chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
• Surgical Menopause – Caused by surgically removing ovaries.

Whereas natural menopause can occur over a long period of time, medical and surgical menopause comes on suddenly, often causing a rapid decline in hormone levels, leading to more intense symptoms.

Medical and surgical menopause don’t only bring about physical impacts like increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues, there can also be long-lasting emotional impacts. As these types of menopause often occur earlier in life, many people struggle with the loss of fertility, increase in anxiety and potential depression.

With the help of Katerina, we create a safe space that allows our ladies to talk openly about their experiences, share their feelings and ask personal questions. Katerina is able to offer advice on helpful lifestyle changes and treatment, tailored to each attendee.

On the subject of menopause, Katerina says,

“Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life. In the bigger picture, dealing with menopause symptoms may seem a trivial concern but it can have an impact on quality of life. The onset of symptoms can be abrupt, with more frequency and intensity in comparison to the natural onset. However, every individual is unique. Talking about this topic raises awareness and means people find support among others with similar experiences. Trusted guidance provides understanding of the underlying hormonal changes, suitable options for treatment and how to manage the symptoms appropriately. This is especially important when also going through cancer treatment.”

Having Katerina come into the centre is always much needed and incredibly informative for everyone, even our staff!