Breaking the Silence Around Menopause
For many women, menopause doesn’t start with hot flashes. It begins quietly, often years before.
In a recent podcast discussion with Aisling, Sally-Anne Brady, founder of The Irish Menopause, shared her powerful journey through misdiagnosis, confusion, and ultimately, empowerment.
Her experience sheds light on a reality far too many women face: symptoms of menopause and perimenopause that go unrecognised for years.
Sally-Anne’s Journey — From Misdiagnosis to Understanding
Sally-Anne began experiencing symptoms in her late 30s: anxiety, insomnia, migraines, digestive issues, and a general sense that something was “off.”
Despite visiting 16 different doctors, she was repeatedly told it was stress, burnout, or depression. But the treatments never worked because the root cause wasn’t addressed.
It was only later that she learned these were early signs of perimenopause — the transitional stage leading up to menopause when hormone levels begin to fluctuate significantly.
This realisation became the foundation for her mission: to educate and support women across Ireland through The Irish Menopause community.
Understanding Perimenopause
Perimenopause typically begins in a woman’s late 30s to mid-40s and can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years before full menopause.
During this time, levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone fluctuate, leading to a range of physical and emotional changes.
Common symptoms include:
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Sudden anxiety or panic attacks
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Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
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Sleep disturbances and night sweats
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Weight gain, particularly around the midsection
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Digestive discomfort or bloating
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Joint and muscle pain
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Irregular periods or changes in cycle length
These symptoms are often mistaken for thyroid issues, stress, or mental health conditions leaving women feeling unheard and unsupported.
Why Awareness Matters
As Sally-Anne explained to Aisling, perimenopause is not just a hormonal shift. It’s a public health issue.
When left unrecognised, it can affect mental health, relationships, and quality of life.
Better education among both women and healthcare professionals is essential.
When women understand what’s happening in their bodies, they can seek the right support sooner whether through lifestyle changes, medical advice, or hormone therapy.
The Role of Nutrition, Exercise, and HRT
Managing menopause isn’t about “pushing through.” It’s about giving your body what it needs during a time of significant change.
According to Sally-Anne, three key pillars make a difference:
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Nutrition: Focus on protein and fiber. These support hormone balance, muscle mass, and stable blood sugar.
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Exercise: Resistance training helps protect bone density and maintain strength.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Body-identical HRT can alleviate symptoms and protect long-term health, including bone, heart, and brain function.
Modern body-identical HRT is not the same as older synthetic forms. It’s designed to replicate the hormones your body naturally produces, and when properly prescribed, it is safe and effective for most women.
A Call for Education and Empathy
As discussed in the podcast, menopause is not a medical failure.. It’s a natural phase of life that deserves understanding, not stigma.
Sally-Anne’s advocacy through The Irish Menopause continues to empower women to ask questions, seek evidence-based support, and share their experiences. The message is clear:
“You’re not broken. You’re just changing. And change can be powerful — when you understand it.”
Listen to Sally-Anne Brady’s full conversation with Aisling on YouTube to learn more about the signs, symptoms, and solutions for perimenopause.
