How Trekstock's early menopause support changed the game
Menopause is a common but not often discussed side effect of breast cancer treatment. Stacey didn't realise how much her menopausal symptoms were impacting her until she joined Trekstock's menopause programme.
Stacey’s breast cancer treatment saw her go into a medically induced early menopause, a common but often unspoken side-effect of hormone receptive breast cancer treatments. At first, just grateful to be out of active cancer treatment, she didn’t realise how much the menopause and its symptoms were impacting her life. But after taking part in our Menopause programme, Stacey changed her approach to her symptoms and the way she thinks about her body.
I was diagnosed with stage 2a oestrogen positive breast cancer when I was 30 years old. I had chemotherapy, a mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction. I finished active treatment in March 2020 and started taking Exemestane daily and having Zoladex injections monthly. This treatment decreased the amount of oestrogen produced in my body and that’s when I entered a medically induced menopause.
Experiencing menopausal symptoms
I stopped having periods a few weeks after my first Zoladex injection. I felt fine and relieved that I was no longer having periods. I didn’t realise I was experiencing any other symptoms until months later because nothing seemed to be interrupting my life in a major way. But I was actually experiencing a lot of the common menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal atrophy (thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls that can happen when your body has less oestrogen), anxiety, low libido and mood changes.
At first, I wasn’t too bothered by these symptoms because I’d finished chemotherapy and recently recovered from my mastectomy and reconstruction. I was happy to have gotten through everything and the thought of monthly injections and daily medication seemed lovely and so easy after everything I’d been through. But a few months into the menopause I realised that I didn’t know how I was meant to feel anymore or if I should or could do anything about having the menopause.
Side-effects as uncomfortable reminders
The hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal atrophy didn’t affect my everyday life but instead they would pop up frequently. Each one would be an uncomfortable reminder that I’d had cancer, that my life isn’t the same as other people my age and that I have the menopause. It was depressing to think about the next time I’d notice a menopausal symptom. I realised that my symptoms would be around for at least a few years, if not forever, and that if they didn’t bother me daily I didn’t want to be surprised by them so often.
Then I heard about Trekstock’s Menopause programme and made the decision to sign up. The programme provided me with useful and age-appropriate information which I had been unable to find anywhere else. It was also the first time I had ever received practical advice and felt heard and understood. The speakers and hosts were very knowledgeable and understanding. Having the opportunity to listen to menopause experts and receive advice directly was invaluable.
Options to relieve symptoms
It was also the first time I had met and spoken to anyone else my age who was going through the menopause. It was great to be in a space where we could discuss our experiences, learn and listen to one another without feeling any pressure to do so. Having this space made me realise that I’m not alone and that my symptoms were bothering me and there are things I can do to improve my wellbeing. I learnt that there are options to relieve my symptoms which can involve taking HRT, not taking HRT and focusing on exercise.
The menopause programme changed the way I approach my symptoms and think about my body. It encouraged me to speak to my GP and tell them what was going on. I felt confident after the programme that if I didn’t get the help I needed from my GP there were other options out there.
Getting help
Fortunately, I didn’t experience any problems and my GP contacted my oncology team and now I have regular appointments with a gynaecologist who works alongside my breast care unit. I had no idea it would be so easy to organise and I wish I had done this earlier. Iif I hadn’t attended Trekstock’s menopause programme, I might still be putting off calling my GP and I might still be struggling with symptoms that were impacting my life.
Watch Stacey on Davina McCall: Sex, Mind and the Menopause. Check out our Lifting the Lid on Menopause and Cancer for more support
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