Kate Stahlberg

***Happy Place***

My third year going to the festival and I always have the best time.
Interesting talks, sunshine and all round good vibes, what more could you ask for ☀️

It was a super informative and interesting talk on female health and hormones by Dr. Louise Newson.

I always get enraged when hearing about how simple it would actually be to make women feel better and healthy if we weren't constantly subjected to medical misogyny, indifference and ignorance.

I'm so happy more awareness is happening, we desperately need more education, support and research on menopause and hormones but it sucks the conversation on HRT isn't more inclusive.

I get it, HRT is important and lifesaving for many but what about those of us who aren't allowed it? Are we just fucked???

Personally I think it should be up to the individual, if you make an informed decision the choice should be yours but we all know it doesn't work like that.

As a bare minimum I think local estrogen should be prescribed to all who needs it even those with hormone positive breast cancer like myself.

I'm lucky, I got it from my gynaecologist with my oncologists approval but I sadly know many who are refused it.
I shouldn't have to feel lucky, a prescription should be the norm not an abnormality.

It prevents painful vulvovaginal atrophy and UTIs to name just a couple of important benefits and doesn't get absorbed in the body other than the vagina.

Fun fact, one year on local estrogen equals only one day on regular HRT, makes you think doesn't it?

Anyways, I'll step down from my soap box for now hahah

Another highlight of the day was the interview with Fearne and Sam Thompson who has the most infectious joyful personality.
I definitely recognised a lot of myself in his stories and his struggles with anxiety and neurodivergence.

A fun day in the sun was followed by a sofa Sunday cos as per usual, living life comes with a price #chronicillnesswarrior

As always, fuck cancer!!!

Hej hej 😘
Xxx