As a menopause coach and founder of the Menopause Success Summit, Catherine O’Keeffe is well versed in versed in the struggles women face during this transitional period. Here, she shares her insights and reveals why knowledge is the key to empowerment.

Catherine O’Keeffe is Ireland’s first menopause coach and professional speaker. Her work features globally and she is an international speaker on menopause. She’s also the Irish representative for the Daisy Network, a support network for younger women diagnosed with early menopause. Here, she shares her knowledge of a once taboo topic and encourages women to pick up the conversation where this interview ends.

Menopause Has Become a Hot Topic (Pardon the Pun), Why Are People More Open About This Now?
“The media discussion around menopause has been growing steadily over the last five years and it’s been great to see so much focus on menopause, it is the final taboo and I believe women are ready to lift the lid on this subject. Women want knowledge and are now demanding more support and awareness of this inevitable life stage.”

Is It Important to Speak to Someone About Your Symptoms Even if Theyʼre Not Causing Great Discomfort?
“Having support through menopause is essential whether that’s a combination of your family friends work colleagues your doctor it’s an essential part of the journey – sharing with someone how you are feeling is a must.”

How Can Sleep Impact on Menopausal Women?
“Ahh, sleep is one of the most challenging aspects of menopause – ongoing insomnia has a knock-on impact on many symptoms. One bad night’s sleep can lead to impaired cognitive function, brain fog peaks, anxiety increases and hot flushes will also be exacerbated.”

Does Menopause Always Impact Sex Drive?
“Yes, for sure. The majority of women will experience a drop in libido at some stage through these years. Some women can also experience the opposite where libido is enhanced at certain stage of the transition.”

Can You Describe Menopausal Memory Loss?
“The memory loss of menopause is filled with frustration amplified by tiredness. You may have just been introduced to someone and immediately forget their name, common everyday words may slip your mind, recalling lists and details becomes a challenge. Your brain simply feels cloudy and clarity is lacking.”

How Does Menopause Impact Skin?
“This differs for every women, some may experience extreme dryness in their skin (hydration and moisture is crucial in menopause) while others may experience acne at different stages.”

Are Mood Swings to Be Expected?
“100%! The perimenopause-to-menopause journey lasts years (average 4-10) and this comes with changing moods as our hormones start to decline. This has a direct impact on moods and also we are changing ourselves as women – there can be stormy waters before the calm seas are reached.”

Does Our Diet Impact Menopausal Symptoms?
“Good food is the cornerstone of life and no more so than in the menopause years. A diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain, nuts and seeds is essential. For many women they may struggle to get the essential vitamins and nutrients needed in these years – especially omega 3, vitamin D and the all-important B vitamins. This is where Cleanmarine MenoMin is an excellent addition to your daily habits as it covers these three essentials – the ‘holy trinity’ as I often refer to them. MenoMin also contains soy isoflavones, biotin, folate and rosemary.”

How Can People Learn More About Menopause?
“The first place to start is the Menopause Success Summit which I am hosting on Sept 25th – this is a virtual one-day event featuring 16 global experts across the field of menopause. The event is based on presenting the latest research and information so that women can make informed choices in these years, and indeed be excited by the prospect of menopause as opposed to fearing it.”

Is Menopause Something You Should Address With Your Boss?
“In my view, yes. I am hugely supportive of all women opening this conversation within their workplace and that, more often than not, starts with your boss. Give notice, let him / her know you would like to discuss your menopause symptoms and then prepare. We need workplaces to support menopause fully – in words and in actions.”

What Other Advice Have You Got for Someone About to Hit Menopause?
“Be informed! Understand what it is, what is happening in your body and know the choices you have – from there you are empowered and ready to thrive through these years.”

And for Those Mid-way Through?
“Keep connected with others, be active, eat well, sleep, have a passion (gardening, cooking, running, anything you simply love) and above all have fun and laughter in your life.”