A new survey has revealed harsh truths about this tumultuous time in women’s lives, including the lack of government support
Approaching mid-life can be an incredibly fulfilling time in a woman’s life.
Depending on where you are and what you are doing, it can bring a new freedom in terms of work or lifestyle or just embracing a sense of confidence in who you are and what you want.
Unfortunately, but if that time is hampered by fatigue, low mood, insomnia, or a myriad of other unpleasant symptoms, dreams and aspirations often fall by the wayside as you endeavour to find a solution, cure or respite from the menopause.
The National Menopause Summit’s recent online survey had over 850 respondents with results revealing how the journey of menopause impacts both personal and work lives, highlighting the ever present need for greater awareness and supports including from a Government level.
The results
A staggering 95% of those surveyed said that HRT should be available free of charge in Ireland with over 80% saying that the government is not doing enough to spread menopausal awareness and provide support.
42% of respondents believe there is still a stigma attached to menopause in Ireland but nearly 50% said that this stigma is less than previous, illustrating the progress that has been made over the past few years in the conversation around menopause.
The survey also showed that where there are negative impacts of menopause – 35% describing their symptoms as severe and 58% noting an adverse effect on their mental health – this stage of life can also be an ideal time for change and growth (76%) and ultimately it can be a positive time in one’s life (42%).
Sinéad McNamara, founder and co-director of the National Menopause Summit commented: “The results of the National Menopause Summit’s recent survey on perimenopause and menopause in Ireland illustrates the vast impact that this transitional phase of a woman’s life has across both physical health and mental wellbeing, relationships from intimate to familial and friendships, lifestyle and life choices, and their working life.
“With 78% believing that their menopause journey has negatively affected their quality of life, 53% saying that they were not prepared for perimenopause or menopause and 61% accessing information online compared to 19% through their GP, these results further show the continued need for fact-based up-to-date information and knowledge from credible sources and increased supports for menopausal women from a personal and workplace awareness perspective.”
Here are some other key highlights of the National Menopause Summit’s survey on perimenopause and menopause in Ireland:
Menopause and Lifestyle:
– 64% do not believe over the counter menopause supplements/drinks are an effective treatment for peri/menopause.
– 73% feel less concerned about other people’s opinions since reaching peri/menopause.
– 68% said peri/menopause led them to reflect on their choices and lifestyle.
Menopause and Relationships:
– 38% of respondents said they believe their peri/menopause journey has negatively affected their relationship with their partner/spouse.
– 32% have considered ending their relationship with their partner/spouse during their peri/menopause journey.
– 6% responded that they had ended their relationship.
Maeve McCleane, chief people officer and board executive of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland says: “The research has revealed some stark but important findings about how we are supporting women undergoing menopause in the workplace. Small adjustments can have a big impact on not only your employees working experience but their confidence and self-belief in their personal lives – and with 24% considering leaving their position due to menopause symptoms, there’s a business case to do so also.”
Following the phenomenal success of two sold out summits in Dublin and Cork last year, the National Menopause Summit returns as a two-day symposium on 11-12 April at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
