In today’s episode, we’re exploring something that affects every single cancer survivor, yet often goes completely unspoken: the state of your nervous system, and how it might be silently shaping your menopause symptoms.

I am joined once again by the brilliant Dr Louise Oliver, GP and certified breathing practitioner, whose insights on snoring, mouth breathing and menopause had a huge response when she first appeared on the podcast. This time, the focus shifts deeper — to the autonomic nervous system (ANS), how it’s impacted by the loss of oestrogen, and why your breathing patterns may be the key to finding better balance.

Together they explore:

• The two branches of the autonomic nervous system — and why so many survivors feel stuck in "fight or flight"
• Why oestrogen affects breathing efficiency — and what happens when it’s suddenly removed through treatment
• How disrupted breathing might worsen hot flushes, anxiety, night sweats, gut issues, and poor sleep
• Most importantly, what you can do to feel better

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

09:06 Chronic Anxiety and Sympathetic Nervous System

12:45 Stress Response and Physical Discomfort

14:09 Balancing Autonomic Nervous System

26:29 "Check Your Breathing Habits"

29:43 Breathing Techniques

Missed our first episode with Dr Louise Oliver?

Listen to: Ep 132 – Does the Way You Breathe Make Your Menopause Symptoms Worse? https://podfollow.com/the-menopause-and-cancer-podcast

Get your copy of Navigating Menopause After Cancer: https://amzn.eu/d/6HTJ4hU

Information from Dr. Oliver: https://www.drlouiseolivertherapeuticlifecoaching.com/post/stress-menopause - Great diagram of the menopausal autonomic nervous system dysfunction model in this blog.

https://www.drlouiseolivertherapeuticlifecoaching.com/post/health-and-well-being-jigsaw-puzzle

Learn more about our work: menopauseandcancer.org

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