MENOPAUSE: There needs to be more support for women
This dynamic duo is raising awareness and calling for more education on female health.
Cleanmarine ambassador Lorraine Keane recently interviewed endocrinologist Dr Mary Ryan on her ‘Let’s Talk Hormone Health’ podcast, discussing the lack of knowledge surrounding female hormone health in Ireland.
“For too long, we have only been taught about men and we’ve ignored women,” said Dr Ryan. “As an endocrinologist, I see this constantly. “I’d love to get menopause on the school curriculum. If women know what they are going through, they can seek help.”
When Lorraine was in her late thirties, she started experiencing insomnia, anxiety and mood swings. She was trying to grow her family and perimenopause was the last thing on her mind.
“We learned the hard way that neither of us had any issues with fertility,” said Lorraine. “My body was experiencing hormone imbalance from perimenopause.”
She felt isolated and alone, blaming her symptoms on work stress. “I was very irritable, tired and anxious,” Lorraine explained. “I couldn’t switch off at night and it affected my libido. I just wasn’t myself. I didn’t realise that I was in perimenopause for a long time and I suffered in silence.”
It wasn’t until Cleanmarine, the natural supplement brand, contacted Lorraine about being a brand ambassador that she realised her symptoms were perimenopausal. She started taking their MenoMin supplement formulated for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms and, after a month, began feeling like herself again.
For the past five years, Lorraine has shared her story so that other women know that they’re not alone and that they can seek support and information.
“The majority of women experience symptoms of anxiety, exhaustion, brain fog, peripheral nerve pain, vaginal dryness, low libido, bladder infections, osteoporosis and heart disease – which can be treated or prevented once correctly identified as symptoms of menopause,” said Dr Ryan.
For those experiencing symptoms, Dr Ryan recommends rest, a balanced diet and supplements. It’s also important to monitor bone and heart health at this time as low oestrogen can contribute to osteoporosis and heart disease. If symptoms persist, consult your GP or menopause specialist to discuss further treatment.
“I’m passionate about female health education because I’ve heard too many stories of suffering in my clinics and on hormone health lectures. Lorraine and I believe that empowering women about menopause helps take their worry and anxiety away.” Each capsule of Cleanmarine MenoMin contains omega 3, biotin, rosemary oil and soy isoflavones along with a range of vitamins to provide nutritional support for women over 40. Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity and, along with vitamins B1and B12, it also contributes to normal psychological function.