Menopause hugely affects 50% of sufferers
The study discovered many women are left to suffer in silence when their bodies reach the end of their reproductive cycle.
They get little understanding and support because many people do not know or understand what they are going through.
And many women cannot rely on their partners to understand how they are feeling and offer them support.
The research shows more than 50% of men claimed women experienced no symptoms.
Just 7% of men said they knew about the menopause.
Menopause and Me is the largest body of research ever carried out in Ireland on the condition.
It was carried out by the Women’s Health Council and published by Health Minister Mary Harney yesterday.
Hormone Replacement Therapy remains the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms.
The study found nearly one-in-five menopausal women are using, or have used, HRT.
Almost 70% have used the treatment for less than four years.
However, a separate medical review of the bio-medical evidence for managing menopause found regular, moderate physical activity may relieve symptoms and that women with a normal weight have fewer hot flushes than those who are overweight.
It also found excessive drinking and smoking increases the likelihood of hot flushes.
Both the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease increases after the menopause and a healthy diet and regular physical activity helps to reduce these risks.
The review also found there was little scientific evidence to support the use of over-the-counter complementary therapies for menopausal symptoms, in spite of the growing public interest in their use.
Chairwoman of the Women’s Health Council, Cecily Kelleher, said women should be well informed and updated on the risks and benefits of HRT.
The review has recommended:
* Medical professionals treating a women with HRT should conduct an individual risk profile for every woman.
* Prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest time and review the need to continue HRT every six to twelve months.
The study found the GP is by far the most popular source of advice and support on the menopause.
Two-out-of-three women more than 40 years of age attended their GP to confirm their menopausal status.
The council has launched a website — whc.ie/menopause — that includes easily accessible information on all aspects of the menopause.
An information booklet produced by the council in conjunction with the Health Service Executive will be launched soon.
It will be distributed to GP surgeries and HSE locations nationwide and will be available free of charge.
Menopause in Ireland
* Half of women said the menopause had a substantial affect on their lives — but 8% said it had no effect.
* Just over half of women aged over 45 believe they are informed about the menopause.
* Men know very little about the menopause — only 7% admitted to being familiar with the subject.
* Four top menopause symptoms experienced by women are hot flushes, night sweats, irritability and mood swings.
