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HEALTH MINISTER STEPHEN Donnelly has announced the establishment of Ireland’s first specialist centre for menopause.
It follows a recommendation from the Women’s Health Taskforce, established by the Department of Health in 2019 to improve the standard of women’s healthcare.
The centre is to be established this year and will be located at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin.
Donnelly said he expects that other such clinics will be established around the country.
“One area that has received considerable attention this year, quite rightly, is menopause, and the lack of any specialist centres for menopause,” Donnelly said.
“It’s kind of extraordinary that it never been in place,” he said.
“I’m delighted today to be able to announce that we are establishing the first specialised menopause clinic in the public health system.”
Speaking at the Fianna Fáil think-in in Cavan, Donnelly said he would seek funding through the budget for the project, to give the issue “attention that it rightly deserves”.
“The clinic is going to be multidisciplinary. It’s going to have GPs, who are specialising in this area, and clinical nurse and midwife specialists, which is really, really important,” the Health Minister said.
“It’s one of many priorities Fianna Fáil has and the Government has for women’s health care.”
He said a range of other initiatives would also be brought forward, on the back of recommendations from the taskforce.
“I just want to acknowledge the ongoing work from the Women’s Health Taskforce,” Donnelly said.
“They’ve been engaged in a radical listening exercise and the results coming in from that are very, very interesting and are really informing our women’s health plans as we go on,” he said.
“We’re also funding the development for the delivery of training of long-acting reversible contraception, for 45 GP trainees and 50 postgraduate GPs per year,” he added.
“We’ve already funded a lot of other initiatives. We are expanding nine gynaecology clinics. We are establishing this year two fertility clinics at hubs in Nenagh and in Galway,” the Health Minister said.
“We funded an additional 24 lactation consultants, and a specialist endometriosis service in Tallaght University Hospital.”
Junior minister Mary Butler also spoke about efforts to improve perinatal mental health services this year, with six hubs, 13 spoke sites and 13 specialist nurses now available.
Butler said: “Regardless of where you live, regardless of which maternity hospital you present to, if you do have ill mental health, before, during or after your pregnancy, you can get the support of a specially trained mental health nurse.”
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What about men’s healthcare? We have breast check, cervical screening ins now menopause treatment. What about prostrate screening and other diseases more common in us males?
@Kieran Henry: spoken like a true caveman. What’s it like living behind fossilised rock? Obviously you know nothing about Menopause or how some women can suffer longterm health problems including cardiac issues and osteoporosis, life threatening conditions. Of course everyone cares about men’s health issues also, but generally men’s health is taken more seriously, whereas women for generations have been told and conditioned to suffer in silence. I welcome every step forward for modern healthcare for everyone regardless of gender.
@Teresa O’Halloran: You seem lovely, calling him a caveman because he brought up some legitimate questions.
@Teresa O’Halloran: I agree with you on women getting told to suffer in silence. But tell me this, if women go through the menopause do men go through the womenopause ?
@Teresa O’Halloran: I was only asking a question and did not expect a personal attack in return. I guess FF will win your vote. Just that I know of a lot of men who should be my age but are not because they died needlessly from a disease that could have been easily detected.
@Teresa O’Halloran: Oh I like a woman with spirit.
@Teresa O’Halloran: why the negativity to a question about men’s health? Men generally die younger and a higher percentage die of suicide. So why the negativity?
@Kieran Henry: women’s health issues have been secondary for a long time. Gender bias in research meant bar reproduction most medical advances were more suited to men’s bodies. It is only since the 80s this has changed and outcomes for women have improved.
Men need to lobby for improvements in specific areas but they are lucky to have had the advantage in many areas for a long time
@Brendan Cooney: More worrying is the massive support for her comment.
@Kieran Henry: go to your GP for a prostate exam and blood test. It’s fairly simple. Why begrudge women this long overdue clinic? As a woman who suffers a lot with “women’s issues” I can say from 1st hand experience that pain that a woman suffers is dismissed with almost an eye roll by some in the medical profession, and more who don’t have the expertise to help even if they wanted to.
@Mark Malone: She does have a valid point in fairness. I don’t even have a gp, but I’d say I could organise a prostate check for first thing monday morning.
@Vonvonic: you could probably organise one this evening if the price was right and you knew where to look
@Nicola Long: lol. Yes indeed. I could probably do it myself only I’m a good catholic.
@Nicola Long: I don’t see where I “begrudged” women in my comments. Personally I go for regular check ups but most men I know don’t. All I was trying to say that it would be a step forward if men were invited to take such tests. I guess the uptake might be low, but the option should be given.
@Kieran Henry: I think most of the real issues for men in ireland are in the lack of access to good mental health treatment. Compared to women, we are well covered for most other things…I stress ‘compared to’ woman.
@Kieran Henry: the reason that these centres are being opened is following long and hard lobbying from women. Two generations of women were left to suffer in silence due to incorrect research and to this day many GP’S and Consultants still go by this research. If you ask for a prostrate examination you get it. If you ask for HRT you are often told no because there are so many doctors with no upto date menopause trying. The issue with men is more often their reluctance to seek medical services and that is where men need to work to support each other, like women have to get the menopause issue to be finally heard and responded to.
@Vonvonic: well without them you’d cease to exist, which given the bile at a question asking about men’s health wouldn’t be a bad thing.
@Kieran Henry: I get why u asked,because the health service is in such a bad state,that men and women are not been seen,and it’s nothing to do with the Covid,it’s been like this here ever since ,Mary Harney got rid of the health boards,and put them all into 1,she went and destroyed a system that was doing fine,every County had a health board hospital,and no 1 was waiting years to be seen and years more to operated on if they needed it,6 months would have been a long time to wait from visit to surgery.thats what needs to come back
@Brendan Cooney: I think the question is why a good news story like this upsets him. This centre is good news and men don’t really need to take it personally. I’m a man by the way.
@Vonvonic: sorry but that is a non answer. The op just asked for men’s health, he never said one or the other. He also never said it was bad news. He just asked for men specific health programmes, which going on stats is long overdue.
@Nicola Long:you are so right,and what makes me so mad is,a Doctor will ask u what age u are,if u are near 50,your told that’s the menopause and that’s why your a feeling this way physically,and if u are suffering with your mental health,that’s the menopause causing that as well,I always say if a woman comes too a Doctor and says there is something happening to me,that should be taking seriously,because no 1 will know your body better than you,from the time u get your period you learn going through the years,how they effect u every month,and then women have Children,the state of the health service,can u imagine the waiting list to be seen in that place,we will probably be over the change before we’re called…
@Kieran Henry: men only diseases are prostrate problems and some forms of haemophilia .These do not affect 100 of men thankfully. 100 percent of women who live into adulthood will go through menopause.
@Brendan Cooney: The story is about the opening in of menopause centre that was hard fought for. Menopause is a huge women’s issue. It’s a huge family issue too. This is good news for everyone. I think it’s a bit reactive to be saying “what about me”? We all know there are problems with men’s health but this is not something that needs to highlight that. It stands alone.
@Vonvonic: Wow ,you hate 50 percent of humans,you must be really unhappy.
@Niamh Hayes: I was joking.
@Vonvonic: sorry again, but that is a non answer. Also how do you think womens health came to the fore. Not by them being shrinking violets but by saying “how about us”, whic is what the op said. It seams to me that some people cant take equality at it real meaning and we all get taken care of, even those with prostate cancer or serious mental problems which lead to suicide. Those men suffer just as much.
@Mark Malone: Fembots ;)
@Brendan Cooney: You’re missing my point completely. I’m.wastimg my time.
@Brendan Cooney: Just so as you know. You’re not the only one who knows something about men’s problems. And I certainly don’t consider women to be shrinking violets. This news is good news for everyone. His comment is out of place. I think.most people can recognise that.
@Niamh Hayes: And have you ever heard of testicular cancer?
@Kieran Henry: A lot of menopause on that thread.
@Kieran Henry: haha. Wish I’d bet on your comment being the first.
@Kieran Henry: “Currently, there is no test in existence that can reliably find cancers that would cause problems during a man’s lifetime…There is also clear evidence that the PSA test can lead to tests and treatment for some men that cause harm as prostate cancer can grow very slowly and not lead to any symptoms. PSA testing can pick up some of these cancers and may lead to tests and treatment that the man doesn’t need. The treatment can cause problems such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction which negatively effect a man’s quality of life while the cancer itself was causing no issues.”
https://www.mariekeating.ie/cancer-information/prostate-cancer/screening-for-prostate-cancer/
@Vonvonic: yikes, firstly I never said I’m the only one who knows anything, don’t know where that came from. Secondly his comment is not out of place, talking and trying to get people to recognise men’s health, physical and mental is never out of place. Nobody mentioned men’s health as an exclusive, or. Its in addition, as an equal to, women’s health.
@Kate Peters: Mary Harney didn’t get rid of the health boards and set up the HSE. That honour goes to our current taoiseach back when he was minister for health. He was the clown who set everything up but 3 month’s before it all went ahead he was replaced as minster for health by harney. By then she couldn’t stop it happening even if she wanted to.
@Kieran Henry: these are important issues. You should start advocating for men’s issues in the same way as women have for their own
@Niamh Hayes: What about the mental effects of the male menopause. The urge to buy a sports car or a Harley. Seriously considering the pain of hair transplantation. Joining gyms for the very first time. Loosing the respect of their children as they try making their own tic toc videos. etc.
Totally mental.
@Kieran Henry: Menopause will affect circa 50% of the population, the centre is long overdue. Prostate cancer can be tested for as part of a basic blood check from your GP if you’re that worried about it.
@Brendan Cooney: What you’re doing is misrepresenting the nature of his comment. I think you know that. But maybe not.
@John Vectravi: Nose hair… you forgot nose hair.
@Kieran Henry: I think it was the “but what about…..” element of your comment. I doubt anyone would suggest that men shouldn’t be screened for such illnesses, but the fact is that in the traditionally male dominated field of healthcare, “women’s issues” have not been a priority. This is evident from how little research has been done and how few healthcare professionals are aware of the issues women face with menopause. It’s not about prioritising one group of people over another, it’s about recognising a gap and doing something about it.
@Kieran Henry: I was wondering how long it would take for a man to complain on here and centre men’s healthcare on a positive story about women’s healthcare.
And there you are, top of the pile.
Much like those same people who try steer conversations about violence against women to be about violence against men.
Or people who cry “what about international men’s day!” on International Women’s Day. (It’s November 19th by the way.)
I don’t think I see any women bitching and complaining on Movember news stories.
I don’t see anyone commenting “what about adults’ healthcare problems?” on news stories about paediatric care.
Nobody’s personally attacking you. They’re just annoyed that you’ve tried turned an issue that affects 100% of women into an issue about men.
Bravo.
@Roy Dowling: two years in, staff in Doh wanted the HSE shut down. They were told to let in settle in.
It’s as real and debilitating phase of a womans life and doesn’t have to be. Need free equitable access to menopause service and treatments eg diagnostics and HRT etc. Proper services will prevent uterene cancer, hysterectomy, osteoporosis, cardiac conditions associated with menapause. Never mind the insomnia, hot flushes, brain fog, palpitations, hair loss and itchy skin.
Feel very proud that our generation of women are finally lobbying for something that has crippled women mentally and physically since time begun. Suicide rates are highest for women in their menopause years. Years ago women were locked away in asylums.
I think its really sad to read some of the comments from men here, very disheartening. And that’s me being really restrained. Why can’t they just be happy for their mothers, wives , sisters, partners, friends, but I see only one positive view from men here. No wonder this country is so backward. …wait now for all the abuse….
Why would men be even commenting on this…their clueless…im laughing here
@Jacqui Curtis-owens: it is just so typical that the first comment on a long awaited breakthrough for womens health is a ‘what about the mens’ whinge. And that whinge is about healthcare they already have access to!
Why is it just in Dublin,every County in Ireland needs a place where they can go and speak to a Doctor that knows all about the menopause.Some women in their early 40s are been diagnosed with this perrymenopause,and when u get your bloods done with your local GP,if it’s a man or a woman,they are not too sure when the read the results back to you,and don’t know how far u are in it,r u like 3 or 5 or 7 years buy the numbers on the blood count,i always thought that the change was when u were 50 you woke up 1 morning and u had started the change and at 60 it finished,sometimes the mental health is worse than the physical parts, shouldn’t have to be on a waiting list for 2 r 3 years to see a Gynecologist..
@Kate Peters: Would it be too much of a stretch to put specialist centres in a more central point in the country.
@Lily Martin: for these types of issues, Dublin is the best choice. Medical colleges etc. Hopefully the regional services happen.
@Kate Peters: I wouldn’t wait for a gynaecologist. TBH I would say some haven’t a clue about menopause. Go to a Menopause Specialist, there is a list on the irish menopause FB page.
He’s one egg I’m sure everyone in the country would be glad to be rid of…
@John Duggan: is this some kind of pun…. Getting rid of an egg on a menopause story??
I can’t wait to tell herself :/
Don’t eat the head of me but a National Maternity Hospital ?? What about women who can’t/ Don’t have any children, but suffer just as many symptoms and indeed physiologically would dread going to a maternity hospital, well I suppose Donnelly is at least trying.
@Joe Kelly: I’m one of those women who couldn’t have children, suffered multiple miscarriages. At the age of 52, I’m well past those traumas and grief, so I wouldn’t really care where I got menopause treatment, as long as it’s well informed and effective for my needs. Maybe not all women like me feel like that.
Electioneering
Alan, some men do and it is called Andropause. Not all women suffer the menopause, but womens hormones operate on generally a 28 day cycle and men are 24hours. This causes alot of complications when you are trying to repeat a 24 hour pattern, particularly when women are perimenopausal and hence hormones fluctuating rapidly. Personally I would love to see a hormone Clinic, male, female, young, old.
@Dawn Tallon: every woman goes through the menopause, and even if they don’t suffer severe symptoms at the time, the cessation of estrogen will cause long term health issues into old age such as osteoporosis, cardiac conditions and increased risk of dementia. We need our GPs trained in menopause to give us appropriate treatment to prevent these conditions.
Years ago I thought menopause was time for women to get together with other women to discuss life issues.
@Fred Fender: gossiping
Us men get “mid life crisis “, erectile dysfunction , moobs, balding, and the need to dye our hair, wear skinny jeans and drive a sports car!
@DrAlan: whereas we get crippling anxiety, depression, night sweats, insomnia, exhaustion, hot flushes, urinary incontinence, vaginal atrophy, heightened histamine reaction, sinusitis, tinnitus, brain fog, joint pain, muscle pain, periods so heavy we can barely leave our homes 3 days a month…..
The stats only reflect the sad truth that most men won’t go to a doctor unless their leg falls off. I speak as someone who in the past year had to beg their brother , partner and father to all go get checked out for different reasons all serious and only one listened to me. I have MS and yeah its a pain to keep getting MRIs and blood tests and taking the drugs but hey its keeping me out of a wheelchair so I freaking do it. Smear tests and breast checks are hard but not as awful as cancer. And when you have large chest that brest check machine is bloody The sore but its worth it. The programs are there for men prostate checks heart checks etc. the charities promoting them are there. Remember Movember?? You all don’t use them. Meanwhile anything to do female reproduction system is still considered mucky. Menopause is horrendous and complicated and this is a badly needed service
Living under a rock seems to be becomming the most prevalent demeaning insult nowadays… Yes the macroinvertebrates live under a rock whilst humans are vertebrates so it just shows up the ignorance of the labeler….
Skitting here… Major breakthrough for gender based health services and the first comment is a guy going “Awwww what about my willy”
There is a bowel screening service in place.
It must be for themselves
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