Joint Ache SOS

Joint ache after cancer treatment can happen for various reasons. Low oestrogen levels or side effects of medication can be the cause. Joint pain can significantly affect daily activities and diminish overall quality of life, making it challenging for you to do the things you once enjoyed doing. You might feel very frustrated that you have completed cancer treatment and now to be left with what sometimes can be a debilitating pain. We know a proportion of women even stop their endocrine treatment as the joint pain is too much to bear.
Dr Melanie Hacking and Dr Susanne Hooper, both accredited Menopause Specialists registered with the British Menopause Society (BMS) from The Oxford Hormone Clinic are speaking to us to day to help us understand how we can navigate this very common symptom.
We cover:
Why do women get joint ache?
How does chemotherapy, tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors make the situation worse?
What can help? Medication? Diet? Movement? Supplements? Heat therapy? Cold therapy? Does relaxation help?
Does joint pain mean arthritis?
Notes from the doctors: www.arthritis.org/
You can find Dr. Hacking and Dr. Hooper here www.oxfordhormoneclinic.com/m...
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
03:28 Discussion on joint pain in menopause and cancer.
09:49 Women should communicate symptoms for improved treatment.
13:21 Movement is key for well-being and mood.
17:58 Low oestrogen leads to osteoporosis risk.
23:52 Use cold first, then heat for inflammation.
25:06 Encourage varied diet, consider supplements for nutrients.
33:12 Nutrition and supplements are vital during illness.
37:09 Treating joint pain in cancer survivors, the options.
40:17 Survivors carry heavy self-care burden, seek recognition.
About Dani:
The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me.
There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences.
I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.
Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field.
And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.
So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.
More educated, better informed and less alone.
Connect with us:
For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org
Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer
Join our Facebook group: groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

[@lindajones4849]

I am a breast cancer patient ( right mastectomy) . First Dr. Mary Claire Haver has publicised the less recognized symptoms of menopause including muscle and joint pain . Women think they have arthritis when they have arthralga- joint pain with no changes on xray.Dr. Haver says 80 per cent of womenwill have joint pain and 20 percent will find it debilitating. Personally i have found that fish oil capsules ( omega threes) help because they are antiinflammatory. Good luck. I am a retired PT and sometimes gentle range of motion can help joint stiffness but be careful exercising if a joint feels raw and painful . In this case exercise canmake you feel worse. I agree with trial of antiinflammatory diet.

[@MelChampion]

I exercise a lot and I’m still in pain with the aching bones and joints!!! I do get up and move around during the day…still achy!!

[@nancyferrari6743]

Very informative! I’ve been on a 2 week break from Anastrozole and still feeling the side effects of fatigue, insomnia and joint pain. My oncologist wants me to start Letrozole. I’m hopeful it’ll have less side effects, but heard joint pain is worse. As I have RA, this concerns me. Any feedback as to my new treatment? I do feel like I need a couple more weeks of a break.

[@elagoldthorpe8060]

Horrendous joint pain on Anastrazole I am in agony every day, seriously thinking of coming off it.

[@maryforstercoull9962]

Women need estrogen to live in this day and age. I have cancer breast. I now have gone off because estrogen receptor positive . I had to sell my condo because I could not work anymore, now I live as a homeless person