Last year I was suddenly launched into early menopause just after a hysterectomy and a diagnosis of ovarian and  endometrial cancer. Recovering from major surgery, chemo brain fog and getting used to my new body meant that I was in no place to learn about menopause. 

Before my hysterectomy and diagnosis, I was told it was risky for me going into early menopause – because of low bone density and risks of depression. When I got the official cancer diagnosis, I was told I can’t have Menopause Hormone Therapy because my cancer was hormone receptive. 

I had a few questions, which included:

– Did I skip peri-menopause -and go straight into menopause? 

and

– Was my night sweats chemo, cancer or menopause – and why is this happening when ichthyosis doesn’t allow me to sweat?

But I had to focus on getting through cancer treatment so menopause education and management was put on hold. 

This year though, I’ve been actively researching it, and encouraging women younger than me to research it too. Because like so many millennial women (and older), I didn’t learn about menopause at school or anywhere else. 

But more and more people are talking about it, and I’m so grateful. 

Here are books, podcasts and other resources that help me. 

Anomalous podcast, hosted by Em Rusciano. I feel lucky I heard this while in Johannesburg, just before cancer became my reality. Em mostly talks about neurodivergence, and menopause is mentioned too. Em is soon releasing Rage Against the Vagine – a pod solely on menopause.

Rage Against the Menopause podcast, hosted by Patrina Jones. This is so useful – covering exercise, menopause hormone therapy, support from partners and the physiological and mental stuff. And it’s funny. 

It’s the Menopause book by Kaz Cooke. Funny, informative and an easy read. 

Medically Induced Menopause Resources by Jean Hailes & Inherited Cancers Australia. So useful for my situation. 

Food for Menopause book by Linia Patel. Such a comprehensive cookbook.

Dare I Say It book by Naomi Watts. Unapologetic and informative.

Shoutouts to Mid, the pod by Holly Wainwright; & another book friends gave me but I can’t remember the name of due to menopausal brain fog. 

Image: a collage of six podcast images, book covers and resources. Top: Anomalouss, Rage Against the Menopause, It’s the Menopause:
Bottom: Medically Induced Menopause, Food for Menopause, Dare I Say It.

Has this post helped you? Feel free to buy me a drink. Thank you! 

The post Six useful resources about menopause first appeared on Carly Findlay.