While menopause is a normal stage of life, many women are still embarrassed when they are going through it, according to a new campaign.
The ‘Feeling Flush' campaign aims to encourage women to approach this stage of life with a positive frame of mind.
The average age for the menopause in Irish women is between 48 and 55 with hot flushes, night sweats, irritability and mood swings scoring as the top four symptoms. It can begin with little or no warning.
According to Dr Barbara Kearns of the Blackrock Medical Clinic in Dublin, it is important that women are aware of the different stages in life and accept the fact that menopause ‘will come to us all'.
"Recognising these signs and dealing with them in a positive manner can help women get through the menopause. While hot flushes and mood swings are the most prevalent symptoms, vaginal dryness, lack of sexual libido, urinary incontinence, crown hair loss and excessive body hair are also common," Dr Kearns explained.
She pointed out that half of women will suffer from significant menopausal symptoms.
Patricia Fletcher, a midwife at the Rotunda Hospital's menopause clinic, has helped hundreds of women over the last seven years and is currrently going through the menopause herself.
"I've seen women of all ages suffer from many kinds of symptoms. While menopause is completely normal and not a disease, other than GPs and women's medical clinics, there are no specific support services available, so it can be difficult for women trying to deal with the symptoms," Ms Fletcher explained.
As part of the Feeling Flush campaign, a number of women have told their stories in the hope of reducing any embarrassment or stigma associated with the menopause.
Alice Culbert (52) from Limerick suffered severe symptoms and believes there is a need for increased openness when it comes to the menopause.
"There is a lot of stigma attached to the menopause which is usually swept under the carpet. I just needed empathy, understanding and a bucket of love. The menopause is something that we as women shouldn't apologise for," she said.
Dr Kearns added that menopause is a ‘sign that your body is moving on'.
"Use it as a prompt or reminder to look after your health. Health maintenance at this stage of life is important. Discuss your overall health with your GP and make sure key areas are addressed such as osteoporosis/bone density, weight gain, cholesterol and any other common diseases which can arise at this time in life," she said.
She also advised women to make sure they are able to talk openly with their GP about the menopause and to discuss this stage of life with their family.
If you are worried about your menopausal symptoms, contact your GP, talk to your pharmacist or log onto
www.feelingflush.ie 
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