Only one in three women in Ireland realised that they had reached menopause, according to a new survey.
Skincare brand Vichy conducted the research which showed that seven in 10 women didn’t recognise the symptoms of “the change.” Two out of five realised what was happening after a few months while one in 10 were told by their healthcare professional.
The Vichy Neovadiol ‘No Pause at Menopause’ study of 500 women in Ireland aged 45 and over also found that the average age for menopause is 53 however a third of women started it as early as 45.
Almost half of women going through menopause feel it has had a negative impact on their self-esteem with half of those asked saying that their friends are the most understanding.
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As for the symptoms, almost two thirds said that hot flashes topped the list of uncomfortable symptoms, followed by night sweats and sleep problems.
Speaking at the launch of the study, which celebrates the Vichy Neovadiol range, Aisling Grimely spoke about how it’s still a taboo topic.
The founder of My Second Spring (an online community in Ireland for menopausal women) said: “Despite the huge social progress we’ve seen in Ireland even this year, Menopause remains a taboo topic and the more information that women can access, the better.
“Menopause started for me at 48 and I found myself utterly unprepared and a little surprised that I had reached that stage of my life.”
For more information on menopause (including the symptoms), visit the Irish Family Planning Association website here. 
