Introducing Triona Casey. Nurse and Menopause Practitioner, Scotia Clinic. Tralee Co Kerry.

I am Triona Casey and I'm a Menopause practitioner, I work with Dr Mary McCaffrey in a Women's Health Clinic, Scotia Clinic in Tralee, Co. Kerry.

I graduated from NUI Galway in 2000 and spent 7 years in University Hospital Kerry, I then moved to Primary Care and enjoyed 18 years of practice nursing, where I gained a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of healthcare. I have a particular interest in Diabetes, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Preventative Health Screening. I upskilled to become a nurse prescriber in 2018.

My career took a different and exciting path in January 2022 when I joined Dr McCaffrey in Scotia Clinic as a Menopause Practitioner.

I have a keen interest in women's health and am truly passionate in empowering women through a holistic healthcare approach. I get to know my patient and understand how their symptoms are impacting their lives. Remember the impact and severity of these changes are different for everyone – so don't compare yourself. If you’re not feeling yourself – make that appointment.

I run a Menopause clinic twice weekly where we offer an hour-long consultation. We assess and manage heart health, bone health, cognitive and mental health, nutrition and exercise, skin issues and genitourinary and vaginal concerns.  Contraception options are addressed too. When needed we refer to other appropriate healthcare professionals. My advice for women on what to expect from a menopause appointment is to feel affirmed and recognised and leave with a plan that suits you. Every woman can feel more in control if they have a plan. 

My menopause consultation encompasses 3 important aspects – preparation, recognition, and early intervention. Women should know what to expect, why it's happening and how to make the necessary lifestyle changes to minimize the effects of oestrogen deficiency.

Women need to get ahead, know the basics, and reframe the menopause transition into a window of opportunity. 

So, in my consults I always highlight the importance of these 3 steps.

1. Nutrition
I encourage a Mediterranean style of eating with more protein in your diet.

2. Exercise
Incorporate resistance training in your exercise.

3. Health Screening
Monitoring of weight & BMI, blood pressure. Electro cardio graph (ECG) bone density, smears, and mammograms.

Recently I attended the International Menopause Society World Conference in Lisbon. The importance of protein was highlighted by all the global speakers – research has shown that we need more protein when we turn 40!  Another interesting topic was the environmental factors that affect our hormones and can lead to changes in our ovaries.

I look forward to sharing more about these topics soon and giving you up-to-date advice and practical tips in my blog series with Cleanmarine.