The Overlooked Impact of Induced Menopause

Lauren Chiren
May 27
2 min read

Menopause is more than a natural transition

For many people with oestrogen-receptor-positive cancers, menopause is more than a natural transition, it’s a treatment strategy.

The Overlooked Impact of Induced Menopause — In Episode 12, Michelle Hindle explores the often overlooked impact of induced menopause on "Women of a Certain Stage".

The Impact of Induced Menopause

Through oestrogen-blocking medications or ovary removal, clinicians can reduce the risk of recurrence.

But the consequences and impact of induced menopause are significant:

Sudden infertility
Intense joint pain
Severe fatigue and brain fog
Loss of libido
Emotional distress
Disruption to work, relationships, and quality of life

Michelle doesn’t shy away from this reality.

Instead, she’s making it her mission to ensure patients are better prepared, better supported, and never left alone in the aftermath.

“People finish cancer treatment and are expected to feel grateful. But many describe post-treatment life as barely livable. That’s where the real work begins.”

Redesigning the Standard of Care

Michelle is leading the charge in:

Launching dedicated menopause-after-cancer clinics
Advocating for multidisciplinary support teams, including clinical psychologists, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and menopause-trained clinicians
Developing accessible education pathways for patients and professionals alike
Ensuring men with breast cancer are not excluded from menopause-related support conversations

She emphasises that small adjustments, like changing the timing of medications or layering in complementary therapies, can deliver life-changing improvements. But only if patients are informed early and given permission to ask for help.

Why Menopause Support Can’t Be Optional

Michelle’s work is clear:

Menopause symptoms after cancer aren’t a “nice to manage” they’re central to long-term recovery.

She’s calling for healthcare systems to treat menopause support with the same urgency as chemotherapy protocols.

That means:

Honest, early conversations
Routine menopause assessments in oncology
Access to evidence-based resources
Cultural competency for diverse patient experiences

Why You Should Listen

This episode is a must for:

Healthcare professionals seeking more holistic, trauma-informed cancer care
Patients recovering from breast or hormone-sensitive cancers
Menopause coaches working in medical or post-treatment contexts
Hospital leaders and commissioners aiming to integrate menopause into survivorship pathways

Michelle's leadership is setting a new benchmark by recognising menopause not just as a cluster of symptoms but as a fundamental aspect of post-cancer wellbeing.

If you love this episode, please help me reach others by liking and giving it a five star review! Have you got a story to tell? Contact me on hello@womenofacertainstage.com

Yours,

Lauren

CEO & Founder

Women of a Certain Stage