Life After Breast Cancer: Navigating Menopause & Intimate Health With Confidence

October marks Breast Cancer and Menopause Awareness Month! A time to celebrate strength, honour journeys, and shed light on the silent struggles many women face after treatment.

For many, remission marks the end of one chapter. But for millions of women, it’s also the beginning of a new one. One filled with unexpected challenges around menopause, vaginal health, intimacy, and self-confidence.

This month, we’ve partnered with Health Innovation East to highlight these often-overlooked issues and help more women feel informed, supported, and empowered to care for their intimate wellbeing. Keep reading below for an intimate Q&A with Darlaine, and a special Breast Cancer Awareness Month offer.

💡 Read more on the Health Innovation East blog

Why We Need to Talk About Intimate Health After Breast Cancer

When we talk about ‘beating cancer’, the conversation often stops at remission. But many women face ongoing symptoms that affect quality of life long after the initial treatment ends, including vaginal dryness, pain during intimacy, and recurrent urinary tract infections.

These issues are common, but rarely talked about. And because they’re often tied to hormone changes or surgical menopause, women may be told it’s simply something they have to “live with.” We know that’s not true. There are supportive, science-backed ways to restore comfort and confidence – and that conversation starts here.

A Q&A With Darlaine Honey: “It was like being pushed off a cliff into menopause – no gradual shift, just cold turkey.”

To help shed light on this topic, we spoke to Darlaine Honey, Sexual Health Advisor for the NHS, who shared her personal journey of navigating life after a breast cancer diagnosis.

1. Darlaine, can you tell us about your diagnosis and what followed?

I was diagnosed in 2016 with lobular breast cancer. Who knew there were so many different types, subtypes, and permutations of breast cancer? Certainly not me. Lobular breast cancer, unlike the more common ductal type, spreads in a diffuse, spider’s-web pattern. It doesn’t always form a solid tumour, which makes it harder to detect on scans or feel by hand. It is not rare; it is the second most diagnosed. I had four lumpectomies before finally having a mastectomy – only then did pathology reveal how widespread it really was. For me, things escalated after a salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes). It was like being pushed off a cliff into menopause – no gradual shift, just cold turkey.

2. What were some of the most unexpected changes you experienced?

My body hated it: Joint pain, headaches, weak grip, brain fog, mood swings, hair loss and thinning skin, plus vaginal and genital changes no one really prepares you for – “use plenty of lube” is about the extent of the advice most of us get. After one painful sexual encounter left me bleeding, a gynaecologist explained what was happening. Lack of oestrogen causes atrophy, thinning, and shrinkage (yes, even of the clitoris and labia) and vaginal dryness and loss of elasticity are common, yet rarely discussed. 

3. When you investigated what was happening biologically, what stood out to you?

Working in sexual health, I examined my own vaginal samples under the microscope. What I saw shocked me: no lactobacillus, minimal epithelial cells, a microbiome in shreds. Without healthy flora, vaginal pH shifts and creates an environment where some bacteria and pathogens can thrive. E. coli from the gut can easily migrate to the vagina and urethra – during sex, poor hygiene, or even something as simple as passing wind while sitting. The medical default is antibiotics. But overuse is driving resistance, and antibiotics don’t address one of the root problems: loss of flora and changed PH balance.

4. How did you find ways to manage your symptoms and regain your confidence?

I tried many things – creams, lubricants, and imported supplements. Some helped a little, but none fixed the root issue; some made it worse, irritating the sensitive skin. My routine now is a tiny dose of oestrogen cream twice weekly (oncologist approved), mild, fragrance-free washing only for groin and outer vulval skin (labia majora) – never inside the vagina, no douching, plus daily moisturising of vulval skin and probiotic support 3 times per week.

5. What would you say to other women going through similar experiences?

This isn’t just about comfort. It’s about quality of life, relationships, dignity, and reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. Some women sail through menopause without these issues, but many don’t. Too often, we’re dismissed or told nothing can be done. That needs to change. Women with hormone positive breast cancer need extra help too. Sadly, not all relationships make it through a cancer diagnosis. And for those of us navigating intimacy again — especially with vaginal atrophy — it’s crucial to take extra care. Always choose safe, body-friendly lubricants, and use condoms with any new partners to protect both your vaginal health and overall wellbeing.

Why Your Intimate Microbiome Matters

The microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining pH balance, protecting against infections, and supporting comfort during intimacy. When oestrogen levels drop (for example, after menopause or breast cancer treatment), lactobacillus levels often decline, creating an environment where discomfort, dryness, or infections can thrive.

A special offer from P.Happi

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re making it easier to care for intimate health with 15% off P.Happi® products using code BREAST15* – gentle, science-backed support without harsh ingredients.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Every woman’s journey is different. But no one should have to face intimate health struggles alone, or in silence. Read more on Health Innovation East to discover why this conversation matters across the healthcare system, and explore microbiome-protective solutions to support your post-treatment wellbeing.

Are you a clinician, or want to make someone aware of P.Happi®? Request samples and resources via this page or by emailing hello@p-happi.com

*BREAST15: Expires 31st Oct. Offer valid for new customers only. Discount applies to eligible items only when purchased at www.p-happi.com using the code provided. Cannot be combined with other promotions. P.Happi® reserves the right to modify or withdraw the offer at any time.