Comedian Anne Gildea discusses her new show on menopause, likening it to 'reverse puberty'. The podcast explores surprising symptoms like vertigo and incontinence, coping strategies for hormonal fluctuations, and the mental health impacts of menopause. Also touches on the debate around arming Gardaí with tasers and new TV shows about menopause.
Menopause is like 'reverse puberty', understanding its broader impact on women's bodies post-hormonal changes.
Beyond hot flushes, menopause can lead to unexpected symptoms like dizziness and urinary issues, stressing the need for awareness and support.
Deep dives
Exploring the Origins of the Show
The show 'How to Get the Menopause and Enjoy It' was born during lockdown when the host, Anne Gilday, aimed to create a piece about middle-aged Irish women. The idea to center the show around menopause came from Anne's boyfriend, highlighting the broader implications of hormonal changes in women's bodies post-menopause. This decision led to a personal journey that delved into previously unknown aspects of menopause and the impact of hormone depletion on women's bodies.
Surprising Symptoms of Menopause
Anne Gilday discovered unexpected symptoms of menopause beyond the commonly known hot flushes. She shared her experience of dealing with dizziness, which she initially attributed to other causes, and later linked to hormone fluctuations post-menopause. Additionally, she discussed how urinary urgency and incontinence are associated with decreased estrogen levels, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing these lesser-known symptoms.
Menopause and Mental Health Impact
The podcast delves into the mental health impacts of menopause, highlighting a concerning statistic that the mean age for women dying by suicide in Ireland is around the peak menopause period. The discussion emphasizes the importance of awareness and support for women experiencing menopausal symptoms to prevent undue stress and potential mental health struggles. The mention of a documentary, 'The Change: Ireland's Menopause Story,' underscores the growing need for open conversations and information-sharing regarding menopause-related mental health challenges.
Menopause is something that all women will go through, and yet we know so little about it. Comedian Anne Gildea has based a whole new show around it and she joined Kieran to explain the best way to think about menopause is to think of it as 'reverse puberty'.
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