Why we need to talk about menopause

The Radical Listening Project on Women’s Health found that many women don’t recognise symptoms of perimenopause and menopause in themselves.

While there is broad awareness of periods stopping, hot flushes and mood swings, there is little recognition of additional symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, anxiety and the impact these can have on a woman’s wellbeing, personal relationships and careers.

In advance of the Menopause Awareness campaign, the Department of Health commissioned research which paints an illuminating portrait of the Irish woman’s menopause experience.

It reveals for the first time that the average woman can experience up to seven symptoms simultaneously, while the frequency and severity of these symptoms varies considerably.

The study also highlights that many women deal with menopause in isolation, as there is a general sense that it remains a taboo topic.