Anj Periyasamy, now 41, was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer when she was 37 years old, a diagnosis that not only involved the grueling treatment of 16 rounds of chemotherapy but also led to medically-induced early menopause. This early menopause was necessary to manage her hormone-sensitive condition effectively, keeping her ovaries 'asleep' to prevent hormone production. However, the side effects of this decision have proven to be extremely difficult for her to cope with.

Anj describes her experience with menopause as much harder than chemotherapy itself. She suffers from a range of symptoms including frequent hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, low libido, and various physical ailments such as hair thinning and painful tendons. These side effects have significantly impacted her quality of life, leading her to feel overwhelmed and desperate for relief. Despite her struggles, she emphasizes that these issues are rarely discussed, adding to the isolation of those going through similar experiences.

In her candid sharing of her story, Anj urges more awareness regarding the complexities of managing health conditions like hers and the impact of early menopause on mental and physical well-being. By broadcasting her personal challenges, she hopes to bring light to the often invisible battles faced by women dealing with cancer and menopause, encouraging others to speak out about their own struggles and seek support during such challenging times.