When menopause arrives overnight

Breast cancer treatment can save your life, but what happens when the treatment itself triggers an immediate menopause? In this episode I’m joined by journalist Carissa Casey, who shares her deeply personal experience of surgical menopause following breast cancer treatment. While her cancer was successfully treated, she found herself facing severe insomnia, joint pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, weight gain, mood changes and a body she barely recognised—all without ever feeling properly prepared for what lay ahead. Together we explore: Why surgical menopause is so different from natural menopause The impact of suddenly losing oestrogen overnight Breast cancer, tamoxifen and the difficult conversations around treatment decisions Why recurrent UTIs are so common after menopause—and what can help The gaps in menopause support for women after cancer treatment The importance of informed decision-making and asking questions How misinformation and expensive supplements can fill the void when women aren’t getting the support they need This isn’t a conversation about criticising cancer treatment. It’s about recognising that surviving cancer is only part of the journey, and that women deserve honest conversations about what comes next. Whether you’ve experienced menopause yourself, support someone who has, or work in healthcare, I hope this discussion leaves you feeling better informed and better equipped to ask questions. If you found this episode helpful, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really does help more people discover these conversations.