Women in menopause report experiencing up to seven symptoms at any given time and over half of women currently in menopause describe it as a negative experience, a new survey has shown.

The survey was commissioned by the Department of Health to coincide with the launch of a new government awareness campaign on menopause. The aim of the campaign is to increase people’s understanding of menopause and provide better access to information and supports.

According to the findings, three in four women over the age of 35 in Ireland are in perimenopause, are in menopause or have completed menopause.

Women can experience up to seven symptoms at any one time and among those currently in menopause, 17% report severe symptoms.

Common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, low mood, fatigue, problems sleeping, memory problems, vaginal dryness and/or pain, reduced libido, heart palpitations, weight gain, joint pains and headaches.

The survey noted that 52% of women report menopause as a negative experience, while 86% say that it can have a big impact on their everyday lives. Some 91% of women currently in menopause say they experience symptoms constantly or occasionally.

According to the department’s chief nursing officer, Rachel Kenna, this survey “paints a very informative portrait of what menopause experience is like for women in Ireland today”.

“The cohort of women going through menopause may also be dealing with stressors associated with childcare, elderly parents and work. It is important that they take time for self-care and are supported by their partners, families, friends and colleagues in doing so,” she commented

According to GP and ICGP board member, Dr Deirdre Collins, GPs are “at the forefront of menopause care”.

The ICGP recently published a comprehensive new guide for the management of menopause in general practice, which will guide GPs from the first consultation right through perimenopause and the menopause.

“This guide is a milestone in the management of menopause in general practice. It includes information on diagnosis, lifestyle interventions, prescribing of HRT and, importantly, alternative options to HRT, as well as specific advice for women with a history of breast cancer. This specific support for GPs offers all of us the opportunity to change the narrative around menopause care in a holistic rounded way,” Dr Collins said.

Meanwhile, while most women can receive advice and treatment in the community through their GP, practice nurse or family planning clinic, patients with certain medical conditions including thrombosis, cardiovascular disease and hormone sensitive cancers are advised to be seen by a menopause specialist to discuss management options.

Dr Deirdre Lundy is the clinical lead of a complex menopause services at the National Maternity Hospital and she welcomed the opening of more specialist menopause clinics around the country.

The new government campaign includes a 30-second radio advertisement, ads in national newspapers and an online one-stop shop for menopause information at gov.ie/menopause.

The survey of 1,250 adults was carried out by Behaviours & Attitudes between September 30 and October 3.