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293 - Navigating menopause in my 30s after ovarian cancer: Suzie’s story

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January 28, 2025

TLDR: Suzie Aries shares her story of menopause at a young age due to ovarian cancer treatment and advocates for women's self-advocacy in healthcare consultations.

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In this enlightening episode of Dr. Louise Newson's podcast, Suzie Aries shares her deeply personal journey through menopause after battling a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer at a young age. This story offers valuable insights for women facing similar challenges and emphasizes the importance of informed health advocacy.

Understanding Early Menopause

Suzie's experience highlights that menopause can occur much earlier than expected, especially after cancer treatments. Key points include:

  • Age of Onset: Diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 25, Suzie noticed signs of menopause at around 28, showcasing that menopause can affect younger women, especially post-cancer treatment.
  • Cancer Treatment Impact: Her treatments, including chemotherapy and full abdominal radiotherapy, halted her ovarian function, leading to early menopause symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue.

The Importance of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Suzie advocates for the benefits of HRT, addressing both immediate symptoms and long-term health risks:

  • Symptom Management: HRT significantly helped alleviate menopause symptoms, enabling Suzie to maintain her quality of life.
  • Future Health Risks: She articulates concerns about the health consequences of not having hormones, linking low hormone levels to risks of heart disease and dementia.
  • Choosing HRT: Despite misinformation regarding cancer risks associated with HRT, Suzie emphasizes the need for educated choices tailored to individual health circumstances.

Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare

A significant takeaway from Suzie's discussion is the necessity of self-advocacy in navigating healthcare:

  • Knowledge is Power: Suzie stresses the importance of being informed about one’s own health, understanding symptoms, and actively seeking information prior to medical consultations.
  • Confidence and Curiosity: Encouraging women to be assertive and inquisitive during doctor visits, she underscores that patients should not settle for generic advice, especially when symptoms present differently in younger women.
  • Utilizing Support Systems: Suzie credits her mother for her advocacy, highlighting how important it can be to have supportive allies during medical journeys.

Challenges with Medical Guidance

Throughout her treatment, Suzie faced confusing and sometimes conflicting advice regarding menopause:

  • Limited Guidance: She noted a lack of discussion around the long-term implications of hormone loss and was often treated like a typical menopausal patient despite her unique circumstances.
  • Initiating Dialogue: Recognizing the disparity in information provided by healthcare professionals, especially regarding HRT, Suzie encourages others to seek specialists who understand the complexities of menopause at a young age.

Conclusions and Key Takeaways

Suzie’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of advocacy, education, and support in navigating menopause and health after cancer:

  • Three Key Tips: Suzie summarizes her approach to healthcare advocacy with three essential points:
    • Gain Knowledge: Equip yourself with information to engage effectively with healthcare providers.
    • Be Confident: Trust your instincts and stand firm in seeking the treatment and information that suits your needs.
    • Stay Curious: Always ask questions and seek improvements in your health situation.

This podcast episode not only sheds light on the complexities of early menopause post-cancer but also serves as an empowering call to action for women to educate themselves and advocate for their health fiercely. Suzie’s resilience and proactive approach illustrate that with the right knowledge and support, it is possible to navigate these challenging circumstances effectively.

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