The fifth episode in the HRT after breast cancer series features Tamzin, who many years after her breast cancer treatment for a hormone receptor-positive cancer decided to take HRT. 

Tamzin Rasmussen, a psychologist and psychotherapist from Australia has been proactive in participating in her medical treatments. Tamzin explores her decision to pursue hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after breast cancer treatment and the challenges she faced in discussing it with healthcare professionals. She discusses the importance of collaborative consultations and the need for healthcare practitioners to make room for nuance and uncertainty in treatment decisions. 

This mini-series explores hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after breast cancer, a controversial and emotive subject. The conversation focuses on the further understanding of risks and benefits of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or also MHT (menopause hormone therapy), the emotional impact on patients, and the different views among medical professionals. 

The goal is to provide understanding for patients seeking HRT after breast cancer and insight for doctors on how to move forward without robust evidence. Dani Binnington, host of the Menopause And Cancer podcast, and founder of the not-for-profit organisation Menopause And Cancer has spoken to hundreds of women who feel like they are in a void and have nowhere to turn to in discussing this difficult topic. Welcome to our HRT after breast cancer series.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why the decision to start hormone replacement therapy after a breast cancer diagnosis is a complex and personal one
• Why it is important for patients to have an open and informed discussions with their medical team to make treatment decisions that align with their goals and values
• Why healthcare practitioners should make room for nuance and uncertainty in treatment discussions and consider the individual needs and preferences of each patient
• Tamzin explains the benefits she started to experience when starting HRT despite her cancer diagnosis

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro.

04:13 Chemotherapy triggered abrupt menopause, causing side effects.

07:33 Chemotherapy was awful, but brought relief.

14:31 Took break, switched medications, adjusted for effectiveness.

22:24 Cancer treatment induced menopause.

31:13 Women afraid of discussing HRT openly.

34:49 Oncologist approves oestrogen treatment for bone density.

37:23 Improved sleep, increased energy, and better stamina.

40:14 Conversation about bone health and medication concerns.

43:57 Consider decision slowly, discuss with informed practitioners.

48:38 Realising joy and richness in life's changes.

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

The walking challenge I mention is here for you: https://move-with-menopause-and-cancer.raiselysite.com/