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Inverness cancer charity Maggie’s Highlands supports women facing menopause as a result of cancer treatment





Maggie's Highlands in the grounds of Raigmore Hospital provides a range of support for those receiving treatment for cancer, their friends and family.
Maggie's Highlands in the grounds of Raigmore Hospital provides a range of support for those receiving treatment for cancer, their friends and family.

Charity Maggie’s Highland has joined forces to provide advice and assistance to women facing menopause as a side effect of cancer treatment.

The cancer support charity’s Inverness centre welcomed specialist sexual and reproductive health doctor, Dr Hame Lata, for a first workshop session recently, with another planned for early next year.

Early crash menopause can be a side effect of some cancer treatments, causing a loss of fertility and other debilitating side effects.

During the first session around 15 women heard from Dr Lata, alongside Maggie’s cancer support specialists Katrina Statham and Eilidh Wilson.

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As well as a discussion on hormonal health those attending were able to share their own experiences and receive expert advice.

Dr Lata, a consultant for sexual and reproductive health and service clinical director for Highland Sexual Health in NHS Highland, said: “It is really important for women to be aware of hormonal changes, whether these occur naturally or are induced by their cancer treatment.

Dr Hame Lata.
Dr Hame Lata.

“It can be a challenging time and these workshops will provide peer support as well as information on options available to them for symptom management.”

Eilidh Wilson added: “We had a brilliant talk and discussion at our first meet-up.

“Early onset menopause as a result of cancer treatment can be incredibly challenging, and many people are not aware of the potential side effects of treatment.

“We hope our Impact of Cancer on Female Hormonal Health workshops give people the emotional and practical support they need after undergoing these experiences.

“The impact can be life-changing for many, but support can be found here at Maggie’s.”

Research, carried out by Maggie’s last year, found that 30 per cent of people diagnosed with cancer are not aware their treatment could cause early menopause, and many find the symptoms of menopause worse than their cancer treatment.

Maggie’s has been running menopause workshops online and at some of its centres across the UK for four years after noticing that many people were talking to Maggie’s staff about how challenging they were finding the symptoms of treatment-induced, early onset menopause alongside their cancer treatment.

Dr Lata has 24 years of experience as a menopause specialist and was the remote and rural representative on the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Group which developed the Women’s Health Plan.

Maggie’s offers a range of support groups, including those focused on specific cancer types.

Additionally, it provides exercise and nutrition workshops, as well as one-to-one support with a psychologist and cancer support specialist.

Anyone interested in attending the workshop or accessing other services at Maggie’s in the Highlands should visit the Maggie’s Highlands website, call 01463 382900 Monday to Friaday, 9am to 5pm, or email highlands@maggies.org

Meanwhile High Life Highland was reaching out to all women across the region last week, to encourage more of them to experience the benefits of keeping active as a way of navigating the menopause – before, during and after.

World Menopause Day took place on Friday, aiming to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available.

“It is so important that women are being physically active at all stages in life, but exercise is really beneficial during perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause – particularly cardiovascular exercises and sessions that will improve strength and balance,” said Sarah Muir of High Life Highland’s sport and leisure team.

Sarah, who works at the Black Isle Leisure Centre, is a personal trainer and specialises in womens health. She has taken part in menopause training, giving her a better insight into the issues women face and what positive steps they can take to make life better during this time.

“While everyone benefits from cardiovascular exercise, women can be at particular risk of heart disease after the menopause. It’s therefore extra important to do cardio regularly – it also helps to boost mood and improve sleep – so this could be Zumba or indoor cycling for example, or even just getting out for a brisk walk.”

“I also highly recommend anything that boosts strength. After menopause, we experience a loss of oestrogen, which can put women at increased risk of osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Studies have shown that weightlifting and other strength-based exercises can help to retain and build muscle mass and bone density, improving not just our physical health but also our mental wellbeing.

“Balance and mobility can sometimes decline during the menopause too because of a loss of muscle mass so things like yoga and pilates are also ideal classes to sign up for.”

Carol Jackman (62) from Munlochy has been a personal training client of Sarah’s for around four months and says that sessions in the gym with her have had a hugely positive effect on her life.

“The menopause can make you feel very low but coming to the Black Isle Leisure Centre where everyone looks after you has boosted my mood enormously. I struggled for a long time, trying to manage my menopause on my own – now I realise how important it is to reach out for support. I can’t imagine myself not going to the gym now!”


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