Menopause From Cancer Treatment: Your Questions Answered

Many of those diagnosed with cancer experience menopause as a consequence, if you have found your way here you probably don’t need me to tell you about discomfort, hot flushes, anxiety, hormonal issues and worry. 

I am much happier talking about solutions than I am problems. Here are some of the most common consequences of menopause and my suggestions as to how you can lessen their impact. I make no promises, I give you information so that you can make the decision best for you.

I am a biologist and a lawyer (as well as product creator). It is important to me to be transparent about the sources of my information – the references are available on request should you need them to help you to make a decision.  

Hot Flushes

We have a variety of mists and sprays, all of which can be cooling – Defiant Beauty Cool & Refresh was the first and was created in response to the NHS team and patients, who helped me to create the Defiant Beauty Collection, telling me of the heat they experienced during treatment – hot flushes and hot hospitals – there was no respite. 

I suggest that Defiant Beauty Cool & Refresh is used as a body spray. The other mists and sprays are also cooling – they vary slightly in their therapeutic purpose but all can cool you in the heat of the moment.

Beyond Beauty Frankincense Facial Mist was formulated as a leave on toner for use with the Beyond Beauty Collection. Frankincense is known for its calming, anti-ageing properties and was the perfect choice for a luxury facial collection. If you like Frankincense and want a cooling spray – this will be as cooling as any other in the Jennifer Young Collections.

If your flushes come at night, Well Being Beauty Sleep Ritual Spritz is the most appropriate for you as it contains Chamomile. 

The Well-Being Beauty Sandalwood Spritz is  pure luxury and, in addition, Sandalwood is known for its relaxing and calming properties. 

Poor Sleep

I formulated some Well Being Beauty Collections using essential oils known to be beneficial against many of the concerns causing poor sleep. You can read more about The Well Being Beauty Collections. There follows some edited highlights.

I am a biologist and a lawyer (as well as product creator). It is important to me to be transparent about the sources of my information – the references are available on request to help you to decide if these products can help.

There are nine therapeutic Well Being Beauty Collections, each was formulated to address a concern, these are the Collections relevant to improving sleep. The jewel in the crown of the Well Being Collections formulated to improve sleep is the Sleep Ritual Collection. These luxurious products are formulated using Ylang Ylang, Frankincense and Mandarin.

The Calming Collection uses lime and bergamot to encourage tranquillity

Patchouli and Ylang Ylang in the The Confidence Collection aim to help you to embrace self-confidence.

The Holistic Wellness products encourage emotional balance, bringing together Lime and Black Pepper

Peace is promoted by Mandarin and Frankincense in the Serenity Collection.

 

Each collection contains

• A Moisturising Shea Mousse
• A Bath Oil
• A Body Oil
• A Diffuser
• A Foot Soak

 

The Well Being Beauty Foot Soaks

The Well Being Beauty Foot Soaks contain Epsom Salts and a therapeutic essential oil blend.

Magnesium Sulphate, Epsom Salt, is absorbed through the skin. Magnesium is a mineral associated with

• a reduction in swelling
• pain relief
• muscle relaxation
• improved circulation
• tendon relaxation

 

The Well Being Collection Blends

The Jennifer Young Well Being Essential Oil Blends contains essential oils chosen for their therapeutic benefits with regard to some of the underlying causes as well as their ability to induce sleep. 

Frankincense, and, Mandarin are known to have therapeutic properties for many of the challenges faced by cancer patients. For example, lowering stress levels, promoting better sleep, reducing hot flushes.

One study found a significant difference in the reduction of blood pressure (home and walking) and improvement of sleep quality between two groups. One group were massaged with oils prescribed by an aroma therapist, the other was massaged with oil containing artificial fragrance. The group exposed to essential oils had reduced blood pressure and improved sleep.

 

Sleep Hygiene

Sleep Hygiene is a way of describing routine, many of us parents know of the importance of a bedtime routine for our babies but we forget about ourselves.

I suggest you

• Choose a bedtime and stick to it
• set an alarm
• Keep away from the TV/phone/screens for an hour before bed
• If you can enjoy a bath before bed, please do (I put Magnesium salts in mine)
• Read before turning the light out
• Don’t go to sleep after a heavy meal but please don’t go to bed hungry
• Avoid alcohol
• Practice breathing if you awake in the night

 

Discomfort

There are many types of discomfort, nausea, headaches, a sore scalp and itchy skin are often mentioned to me by those going through treatment for cancer.

The Well Being Beauty Vitality Collection is formulated using Cardamom and Ginger to reduce feelings of nausea. The Lavender and Eucalyptus in the Well Being Beauty Mental Clarity products are associated with a reduction in headaches.

Itchy Skin was the first issue that the ladies in my local NHS cancer centre asked me to help with. Defiant Beauty Itchy Skin Oil has been one of our most popular products ever since it was created in 2013.

We can also help to reduce the discomfort associated with a sore scalp.

Sleep Hygiene

Sleep Hygiene is a way of describing routine, many of us parents know of the importance of a bedtime routine for our babies but we forget about ourselves. 

I suggest you:

• Choose a bedtime and stick to it
• Set an alarm
• Keep away from the TV/phone/screens for an hour before bed
• If you can enjoy a bath before bed, please do (I put Magnesium salts in mine)
• Read before turning the light out
• Don’t go to sleep after a heavy meal but please don’t go to bed hungry
• Avoid alcohol
• Practice breathing if you awake in the night

Discomfort

There are many types of discomfort, nausea, headaches, a sore scalp and itchy skin are often mentioned to me by those going through treatment for cancer.

Nausea

The Well Being Beauty Vitality Collection is formulated using Cardamom and Ginger to reduce feelings of nausea. 

Itchy Skin

Itchy Skin was the first issue that the ladies in my local NHS cancer centre asked me to help with. Defiant Beauty Itchy Skin Oil has been one of our most popular products ever since it was created in 2013. 

Sore Scalp

We can also help to reduce the discomfort associated with a sore scalp. 

Poor Concentration and Memory

Please seek medical advice and do not use our products until your medical team are convinced that your symptoms are a side-effect of treatment.

The Well-Being Beauty Concentration Collection is formulated using peppermint and lime with the intention of improving concentration.

Headaches

I don’t ever claim to give medical advice and I don’t cure anything. I have formulated some products using ingredients thought to alleviate some conditions. The Well Being Beauty Mental Clarity Collection uses Lavender and Eucalyptus in the hope of reducing the impact of some headaches. 

Headaches can be a consequence of treatment for cancer and menopause and they can be an indication of a condition requiring medical attention  - please do not use the Mental Clarity products until medical attention has been sought and the medical team have discharged you in relation to your headaches. 

The Well Being Beauty Spring Sunshine Collection

The Well Being Beauty Spring Sunshine Collection was formulated one dark, miserable, cold winter with the hope of getting spring brightness into a bottle. My wish is that the Lemon and Lavender Essential Oils encourage positivity and lightness of mood. The formulation was first used in candles which were exclusively for our spa clients. Don’t tell them I said so, but they are hard to impress, all loved the bright, natural fragrance, so we had to bring it to you too.