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Menopause: What Every Woman Should Know

Menopause: What Every Woman Should Know | UPMC Ireland

Menopause is something every woman will experience. Yet, many feel unsure about what is happening to their bodies, or worry when symptoms begin to affect daily life.

At our Women’s Health Clinic in Mallow, we want women to know the following:

  • You are not alone.
  • Your symptoms are real.
  • Support and treatment are available.

Understanding Menopause and Perimenopause

Menopause marks a point in time when your periods stop permanently. It can only be confirmed 12 months after your final menstrual period.

The average age of natural menopause in Ireland is around 52. Some women experience menopause earlier because of surgery, chemotherapy, or other medical reasons — this is called induced menopause. When symptoms begin before 40, it is called Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and it is very important that these women receive assessment and treatment, as untreated POI increases the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and cognitive changes later in life

Perimenopause refers to the transition phase before menopause, when hormone levels begin to change. This can last several years, and symptoms can come and go, making it difficult for women to recognise what is happening.

Many Irish women report that perimenopause is misunderstood, even by themselves at first. A recent survey from The Menopause Hub in 2025 found that thousands of women only realised they were perimenopausal after symptoms began affecting work, family life, or their emotional wellbeing.

Menopause Affects the Whole Body — Not Just Periods

Oestrogen plays a role in nearly every body system. When levels drop, multiple areas can be affected:

  • Hot flushes and night sweats
  • Irregular or heavy periods
  • Mood changes & anxiety
  • Poor sleep & fatigue
  • Brain fog or memory lapses
  • Joint pain & stiffness
  • Changes in digestion or bloating
  • Vaginal dryness or recurrent UTIs
  • Dry eyes or mouth
  • Changes to skin, hair, or gums

Some women worry these are signs of something more serious. Others assume they just have to “put up with it.” But you don’t have to struggle alone.

Why It’s Important to Seek Support

Menopause symptoms are real and can significantly affect work, relationships, confidence, sleep, and quality of life. If left untreated, low hormone levels can also affect:

  • Heart health
  • Bone strength
  • Memory and cognitive function
  • Long-term musculoskeletal health

However, the good news is that there are many safe and effective treatments, including HRT (hormone replacement therapy), lifestyle guidance, and personalised medical support.

How Our Women’s Health Clinic Can Help

Our specialised Women’s Health Clinic in Mallow provides expert, compassionate menopause care including:

  • Full menopause and perimenopause assessment
  • Advice and prescribing of HRT
  • Support with mood and hormonal changes
  • Help managing joint pain, sleep problems, and brain fog
  • Treatment for recurrent UTIs and genitourinary syndrome of menopause
  • Lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise guidance

We also support wider women’s health needs, including:

  • Period and gynaecological problems
  • PCOS, endometriosis, and fertility concerns
  • Contraception (including implants and IUD/coil fittings)
  • Pelvic pain management with referrals to physiotherapy and pain specialists
  • PMS/PMDD and mental health supports where needed

When Should You Ask for Help?

It is time to talk to someone i you are experiencing any of the following symptoms and they are having a detrimental impact on your day-to-day functioning and impacting upon your home or work life:

  • Having irregular or changing periods
  • Feeling unlike yourself—emotionally or physically
  • Struggling with sleep or concentration
  • Experiencing pain, recurrent UTIs, or vaginal changes

Menopause is not something you have to “manage alone” or “just get through.”

You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again

Women now live decades of life after menopause. With the right care, these can be healthy, active, fulfilling years.

If you recognise some of the symptoms above—or you’re simply unsure—our team is here to listen and help by offering expert care, respectful support, and evidence-based treatment.

To book an appointment, call: 022 52944 (Ext. 4)

Self-referrals welcome.