Vital Harmony Hub

28/03/2025

Endocrine Therapy & Breast Cancer

Endocrine therapy, sometimes referred to as ‘hormone therapy’ blocks oestrogen to help prevent breast cancer recurrence. 💊

🔹 Tamoxifen: Usually used for premenopausal women, selectively blocks some oestrogen receptors.
🔹 Aromatase Inhibitors (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane ): Inhibits conversion of enzymes to oestrogen, depriving microscopic cancer cells of what they need to grow.

Your doctor likely used a tool like NHS Predict to guide treatment decisions based on survival benefits. While endocrine therapy is beneficial, 91% experience side effects, and 33% discontinue treatment.

If you're struggling with side effects, know you're not alone. 💕

📢 Want to find out more about managing menopausal side effects from breast cancer treatment? Join us for Empowered Recover: Managing Menopause After Breast Cancer on Tuesday, 2nd April at 19:30 online event. Link in bio.

19/01/2025

🔍Hormones, proteins, and receptors, how do they shape breast cancer?
Let’s break it down!
Breast cancer can be classified based on the presence of specific proteins and/ or receptors on the surface of cancer cells. These proteins and receptors influence how the cancer behaves and how it can be treated. Let’s break it down:

➡️Hormone Receptor Positive (HR+):
Around 75% of breast cancers fall into this category. These cancer cells have receptors for oestrogen and/or progesterone, which can bind to these receptors on the cell surface and influence how the cancer cell grows.

➡ HER2 Positive (HER2+):
In about 20-25% of cases, breast cancer cells overexpress the Human Epidermal Growth Factor (HER2) protein on the cell surface, leading to rapid cell growth and division.

➡Triple-Negative (TNBC):
This subtype accounts for 10-15% of breast cancers. It lacks hormone receptors and the HER2 protein.

➡HER2-Low:
A newer classification, HER2-low includes cancers previously labeled as HER2-negative but now found to express low levels of HER2. This could open up new treatment options for this subtype of breast cancer.

I’ve also added some homemade visuals using a small orange and cloves to help illustrate the different molecular subtypes that histopathologists observe under the microscope. Disclaimer: This is a very simplified visualisation! 🍊

💡 By understanding these subtypes, clinicians can tailor treatment options, and patients gain valuable insight into their breast cancer journey.
Don’t miss out, follow along as I share more about understanding and managing menopause symptoms caused by cancer treatment.

14/01/2025

Join us for a supportive and informative session!

😩 Are you navigating menopause symptoms alongside the effects of breast cancer treatment? If so this session is designed just for you.

What to expect:
* Discover practical and nutritional strategies to support recovery and manage menopause symptoms.

* Connect with others who truly understand your journey.

🦋 Your input matters to us! We invite you to share your feedback and insights on our new programme, ‘Empowered Recovery: Managing Menopause After Breast Cancer’, as we work to ensure it meets the needs of those navigating this journey.

Sunday 2nd February, 7-8pm.
Online via Zoom. FREE.

👉 To book click https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1137903643429?aff=oddtdtcreator
👉 DM us for details and we’ll send you a direct link

Dom & Faye x

Lift Nutrition and Wellness

02/10/2024

Join me for a transformative community event (free!) @ Churchdown Community Centre, Parton Road Churchdown GL3 2JH
on 1st November, 7:00pm -8:30pm.
We will explore the symptoms that can affect your body during the transition of menopause.
I will share accurate, unbiased information to help you make informed choices and navigate the confusion about HRT and non-HRT treatment options.
We will discuss the long-term health risks post menopause and explore practical lifestyle strategies to mitigate these risks, enhancing both physical and mental well-being.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with others going through the same journey and gain valuable insights to help you feel your best. See you there!

A transformative community event featuring an unbiased menopause awareness session.

12/07/2024

We are all unique individuals with different diets, lifestyles, ethnicities, health histories, psychological backgrounds, habits, and genetics. Assuming that all women experience menopause in the same way is a mistake. Out of every four women, one will navigate it seamlessly, two will encounter significant challenges, and one will experience severe symptoms.

Some women go through natural menopause, while others face abrupt premature or early menopause due to medical or surgical reasons. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be transformative for many women, which is fantastic. However, it isn’t suitable for everyone—some women don't need it, and many others cannot take it due to their medical history.

In my clinical work, I encounter women who struggle to stay on their cancer treatment due to menopausal symptoms caused by the treatment, which is meant to lower the risk of recurrence.

While progress has been made in managing menopause after cancer treatment and improving quality of life, access to good quality evidence-based research and high-quality advice remains a challenge for healthcare professionals seeking to provide appropriate support for these patients.

We need additional research into new HRT and non-hormonal treatments and their long-term effects on individuals with various types of cancer backgrounds and treatments.

Do you think we need better support and resources for individuals going through menopause symptoms during cancer treatment?

19/06/2024

Just attended an insightful nursing conference organised by at the stunning London. The event was packed with invaluable clinical updates on primary and secondary breast cancer. Highlights included Dr. Tim Robinson's deep dive into triple-negative breast cancer and Dr. Alicia Okines' presentation on invasive lobular cancer and including cutting-edge genomic methods like ctDNA monitoring for high-risk EBC patients. you had us laughing and learning at the same time with your advice on managing genitourinary syndrome of menopause. in order to enhance compliance with endocrine therapy.

Ellis illuminated the occupational hazards of compassion fatigue in healthcare, sharing practical techniques for awareness and management. Thank you for refuel-recharge-relax!
Breakout sessions offered further insights from various charities supporting breast cancer patients. Binnington emphasised the importance of empowering patients, particularly around menopause after cancer. Her website, Menopause and Cancer, is a treasure trove of resources for both healthcare professionals and patients. Dr. Caroline Leek from the FruitFly Collective provided fantastic resources on parenting with cancer. Brayford from Breast Cancer Now spoke about events for younger women, while Leeanne Adu shared the impactful work of Black Women Rising. Lorraine Day from Cancer Hair Care, Oa Hackett from Little Lifts Boxes and other charities also contributed to these enlightening sessions.
A huge thank you to Breast Cancer Now and all the sponsors for an outstanding day!
Cancer Hair Care

10/06/2024

The different stages of menopause can affect both your body and mind.
Menopause symptoms affect all areas around your body. That is because we have estrogen and progesterone receptors all over our bodies and underlying imbalances in hormones affect these receptors - the symptoms can be physical, Genitourinary symptoms of menopause, cognitive and they can affect our psychological and mental well-being.
This list is not extensive- for example, some women experience dry eyes, nausea, change in body odour, numb fingers, restless legs.

You should not put up with any of these unpleasant symptoms as effective treatment is readily available. Follow along to learn more :)

05/06/2024

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, marked by the end of menstrual cycles.

However, menopause can also be induced medically or surgically, especially due to cancer treatment.

Surgical Menopause:
Cause: Removal of ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy)
Effect: Permanent menopause with an immediate decline in s*x hormone levels
Symptoms: Pronounced menopausal symptoms, especially in pre-menopausal women or those undergoing cancer treatment.

Chemical Menopause:
Cause: Interrupts communication between the brain and ovaries
Effect: Decreased s*x hormone levels
Treatment: Often administered alongside endocrine therapy or chemotherapy

Treatment-Induced Menopause
Cause: Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or radiotherapy
Effect: Temporary or permanent damage to the ovaries, leading to menopause.
Periods may cease during treatment; in most cases, menstrual cycles resume within two years after completing treatment, but some may experience a return three to five years later.

Understanding the types of menopause highlights the diversity of menopausal experiences and the importance of individualized treatment for specific symptoms.

05/06/2024

The terminology surrounding menopause can be confusing. While "menopause" is commonly used to refer to the entire transition, medically, it is just one day. Using the terms perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause helps differentiate between the distinct stages.

Perimenopause marks the transition leading up to menopause, characterized by decreased egg production and s*x hormonal fluctuations, particularly in oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These erratic hormone levels contribute to perimenopausal symptoms. Perimenopause typically spans from 4 to 10 years until hormone production ceases, leading to the cessation of menstrual cycles and menopause. The average age range for menopause onset is between 45 and 55 years.

Menopause means the cessation of periods. 'Meno' relates to menstruation, and 'pause' signifies stopping. In medical terms, menopause is reached when one year has elapsed since your last period regardless of any menopausal symptoms. Your ovaries have stopped producing eggs. If menopause happens before 45 years it is considered early menopause, if it happens before 40 years, it could indicate premature menopause, termed premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Medical interventions like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or surgical removal of ovaries can induce menopause, potentially intensifying symptoms beyond those of natural menopause.

Post-menopause is when you have not had a period for at least one year. You will remain post-menopausal for the rest of your life.

05/06/2024

My journey to start Vital Harmony Hub comes from a very simple place. The desire to help educate, inform and support individuals through the transition that is menopause.

With a 25-year career as an oncology nurse specialist I've witnessed the unique impact of the stages of menopause on individuals. Through the lens of patient care I’ve seen individuals struggle to navigate early or sudden menopause triggered by cancer treatment. I have personal experience of peri-menopausal symptoms, I understand the challenges many face. Enhanced education and support can greatly assist in managing this journey more effectively.

I have completed training in menopause for healthcare professionals and I have created programmes to cater for all stages and types of menopause, empowering individuals to navigate their personal journey with confidence.

I will raise awareness about the potential long-term health risks associated with menopause and educate on lifestyle strategies to mitigate these risks, thereby improving overall health outcomes.
Expanding beyond individual support I extend my programmes to workplaces, fostering menopause-competence and equipping employers and employees with tools and knowledge to prioritise and address future health risks associated with menopause.

Through Vital Harmony Hub, I aim to create a supportive community where women can find the resources and guidance they need to thrive during this significant life transition. Please visit my website for further information- link is in my bio.
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05/06/2024

Vital Harmony Hub welcomes everyone, providing evidence-based strategies to enhance your menopause experience.
A designated space committed to providing non-biased, evidence-based information for those navigating perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause.
With a focus on raising awareness, imparting knowledge and empowering through education.
The impact of menopause can vary significantly from person to person. Symptoms can differ in intensity and duration. Some individuals may experience mild discomfort, others may find their symptoms severely disrupt their daily activities and quality of life.

Vital Harmony Hub offers support through group programmes. These programmes are designed to address the unique presentation of symptoms that individuals may encounter, whether menopause occurs naturally or is medically induced.

Many face the challenge of navigating menopause in the workplace, impacting their professional lives. Vital Harmony Hub extends its support to workplaces, fostering a culture that acknowledges and uplifts employees during this important life stage, addressing the often misunderstood assumptions about menopause.
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19/01/2024

I believe that understanding the changes happening in your body during menopause is the key to empowerment, enabling you to make informed decisions about your overall health. Let's embark on the path to flourishing during and after menopause! Join me on 26th January 2024, 6-7:30pm @ the Coffee Collective, Churchdown, GL3 2EU.
Discover the transformative journey of menopause as a natural and empowering phase of a woman's life. We shall dive into symptoms, lifestyle strategies, and treatment options.
With 25 years of dedicated nursing experience, I frequently encountered women in search of assistance and guidance for managing menopause-related symptoms. I have had first-hand experience of many peri-menopausal symptoms and fully understand the complexities of juggling issues that are present at this stage of life. This inspired me to establish Vital Harmony Hub, where I offer clear, evidence-based information on the stages of menopause and available treatments.
I have completed healthcare professional training in menopause that is recognised by the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH). I am a member of the British Menopause Society (BMS) and International Menopause Society (IMS). I am committed to providing you with reliable guidance.
I look forward to seeing you!