Sami (Papacek) Mansfield: Menopause, Microbiome and Cancer Care – Why Oncology Providers Should Take a Closer Look
Sami (Papacek) Mansfield, Founder of Cancer Wellness for Life, shared a post on LinkedIn about a recent review by Maria Nieto et al, published in npj Women’s Health:
“Menopause, Microbiome and Cancer Care: Why Oncology Providers Should Take a Closer Look.
As oncology healthcare professionals, we see it every day—menopause and cancer treatments create a perfect storm of metabolic shifts, inflammation, and quality-of-life challenges.
But are we overlooking a key player in symptom management?
A recent review in npj Women’s Health highlights the bidirectional relationship between hormones and the microbiome, emphasizing that menopause-related shifts in microbial composition can impact inflammation, metabolism, and disease risk.
This is exactly why my patient-facing program, MyLifestyle Shift has a dedicated focus on gut microbiome and fiber!
Key Findings from the Review:
The Estrobolome and Hormone Regulation:
The gut microbiome influences estrogen metabolism, which in turn affects bone, cardiovascular, and cognitive health.
Estrogen decline in menopause disrupts this balance, potentially exacerbating symptoms and disease risks.
Microbial Shifts and Menopausal Health Risks:
The gut, oral, and vaginal microbiomes undergo significant changes in menopause.
This shift increases susceptibility to periodontal disease, infections, osteoporosis, and cardiometabolic dysfunction. Declining Lactobacillus species in the vaginal microbiome may increase risks for infections and even certain cancers.
The Cancer Connection:
Cancer treatments (chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, radiation) further disrupt the microbiome, amplifying inflammation, GI distress, and metabolic dysfunction.
Emerging research suggests microbiome-focused strategies may mitigate some of these effects.
Dietary Strategies for Microbiome Support:
Fermented foods, fiber, and prebiotics may help restore microbial balance. These dietary interventions support gut integrity, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall well-being—critical factors for cancer survivors.
What does this mean for oncology care?
We often turn to hormone therapy, antidepressants, or other medications to manage menopausal symptoms in cancer survivors — but what if lifestyle and microbiome-targeted approaches could be part of the solution?
Let’s rethink our approach:
- Could we better integrate dietary strategies, prebiotics, and probiotics into survivorship care?
- How do we guide patients in reducing inflammation and microbiome disruption caused by treatment?
- Are we missing an opportunity to leverage gut health for long-term outcomes in oncology and menopause management?
Let’s discuss! How are you addressing menopause symptoms in your cancer patients beyond pharmaceuticals?
Thank you Rupa Health for the image!”
“Menopausal shift on women’s health and microbial niches”
Authors: Maria Nieto, Maria Rus, Victoria Areal-Quecuty, Daniel Lubián-López, Aurea Simon-Soro.
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