Ever had a question about relationships or sex that you just can’t ask your oncology care provider? Ever felt too shy to ask a nurse or doctor a question, but really needed the answer? Now you can ask those questions and get answers from Dr. Anne Katz, the Awkward Auntie! We’re back for another round of Awkward Auntie. Read on for some more recent Q&As!
Question: Struggling with menopausal symptoms after cancer and feel lost
Answer: Chemical menopause is generally WAY worse than a natural menopause (usually somewhere around 52 years of age). There are things that can help with the symptoms:
- Hot flashes – respond well to some antidepressants, and those can also help with anxiety. Wearing cotton clothes and layers, cotton or bamboo bedsheets, exercise, and avoiding alcohol and spicy food mah help too.
- Low libido – this is a challenging one, often tied to altered body image, pain, and emotional issues. RESPONSIVE desire (feeling desire once you are aroused) may be the norm for you now. ‘Come as You are’ by Emily Nagoski is a good book to read about this. Also, anything by Dr. Lori Brotto.
You can learn more about this great program, find the answers to past questions, and submit a question of your own by going here!
More about the Awkward Auntie program:
Dr. Anne Katz, also known as the Awkward Auntie, is a certified sexuality counselor and nurse who has written a couple of books about young adults and cancer – and all the things that happen to your body, relationships, and sex during and after treatment. She will answer any and all questions that you send to AwkwardAuntie@lacunaloft.org or submit in the form below. You don’t have to give your name or other identifying information – but it might be helpful for her to know how you identify yourself by gender, your age, and what kind of cancer and treatment you had.
YOU CAN ASK HER ANYTHING…. Don’t hold back! Your questions will be answered periodically and posted on our Awkward Auntie page.
