RTÉ and Science Foundation Ireland join forces to shine a light on menopause in Ireland

RTÉ and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) have joined forces to co-fund a documentary entitled The Change – Ireland’s Menopause Story which aired on RTÉ One on Monday, May 23rd at 9:35pm and is now available on RTÉ Player. 

The phenomenal reaction to women’s stories on Liveline on RTÉ Radio 1 last May proved that the subject of menopause is not niche, is not unmentionable. Menopause affects or will affect 50 per cent of the population directly.

Beginning with some of the audio from Liveline callers twelve months ago, this one-hour documentary explores the menopause experience in Ireland: the taboo, the science, the personal stories and the future.

While no woman’s experience is the same, the programme explores the common, and some not so common symptoms, and talks to experts about what the causes and effects are, and what the long-term ramifications are. The programme also looks at the workplace and how difficult it can be for women experiencing symptoms to seek support. 10 per cent of women will leave the workforce during the years they go through menopause.

Welcoming the documentary, Dr Ruth Freeman, Director Science for Society, Science Foundation Ireland, said: “We are delighted to partner with RTÉ to support The Change – Ireland’s Menopause Story.  Last year, through Creating Our Future, the public were engaged in a conversation about research and the subjects that mattered most to them. We were told time and time again that more research into women’s health was needed.  This documentary continues that conversation and will hopefully bring even more voices into the growing discussions about menopause.  I believe that these ongoing inclusive dialogues are critical if we are to find improved solutions, and ultimately deliver better health outcomes for women.”

RTÉ Head of Specialist Factual Content Colm O’ Callaghan said: “This time last year, Liveline kick-started a national and very public conversation about menopause. Twelve months later, we’re now looking at how highly-personal lived experiences, testimonies and conversations – combined with science, data and evidence – can be so important in how society makes decisions that shapes its future.”    

The Change: Ireland’s Menopause Story is based on the first-person experiences of a number of Irish women. In powerful testimonies, a diverse group women from all over Ireland share their stories. (Further information on the women’s personal stories below in Editor’s Notes)

Expert interviewees include Dr. Deirdre Lundy, Dr. Caoimhe Hartley and Dr. Sarah Callaghan. The documentary aims to shine a light on menopause, and to take a hammer to what has long been a taboo subject. Clinicians and practitioners look at the issues that surround menopause through a scientific lens.

The Change- Ireland’s Menopause Story is an informative, warm and engaging documentary that opens up this conversation further and looks to the future.

WATCH IT on RTÉ Player now.