Navigating GLP-1: My Journey Through BRCA Positivity and Surgical Menopause

My journey with GLP-1 medications is deeply personal. It began with my mother's breast

cancer diagnosis when I was just 15. Losing her at 47 led to my own BRCA-positive

diagnosis at 36.

At 36, I underwent a double mastectomy as a preventive measure against breast cancer.

Then, at 41, I decided to have an oophorectomy to reduce my risk of ovarian cancer, which

led to surgical menopause. This phase brought unexpected challenges, including weight gain

and metabolic changes, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Three years later,

starting GLP-1 has helped me manage my weight and improve my overall well-being,

highlighting the potential connection between surgical menopause and GLP-1 benefits.

Angelina Jolie brought significant attention to the importance of BRCA testing and

preventive surgeries, openly sharing her own experience with mastectomy and

oophorectomy. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, I encourage you to

talk to your doctor about BRCA testing.

Research suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, can aid weight loss in menopausal women and improve insulin sensitivity in those with PCOS. While more

research is needed, these medications show promise in addressing the challenges of weight

regulation post-menopause.

You're not alone on this journey. If you would like to read more about my story, including how I navigated BRCA, motherhood, grief, and healing, you can find my book:

I'm a Previvor: My Secret Legacy on Amazon: