Give support to women going through the menopause

AS a clinical psychotherapist in practice for the best part of 25 years, I wish to call for better supports in Ireland for women who are going through the menopause. It’s my contention that the menopause has been shrouded in secrecy, silence, stigma and shame. I sometimes think that women and men in Ireland do a massive injustice to the menopause by not talking about it.

Many women often say to me that treatments for this condition are not ideal. It seems to me that hormones are capricious.

I often sense that where there is a small hormonal imbalance or indeed the wrong treatment being used, a woman can experience some discombobulating side effects. That’s why one’s doctor should always be at the forefront when it comes to looking after women who present with menopausal symptoms.

I would especially call on all men to support their partners at this time. My suggestion to men is: kindness, patience, empathy, rapport and love.

I do feel that the best way for men to deal with menopause is to pay attention.

I would say to men to ask questions respectfully and it’s important to remind oneself that the challenges of menopause involves both of you as a couple.

It’s okay to recognise when one is unable to cope and never be afraid to seek help from one’s doctor, psychologist, psychotherapist, family or couples counsellor, etc.

JOHN O’BRIEN, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

Redhead woes

THANK you for highlighting the plight of redheads like me (Mail).

I have often wondered why in a world where race, sex and the colour of your skin are not deemed acceptable subjects for banter, criticising red hair is allowed.

Classmates felt it was acceptable to make unkind comments. I have also heard unkind comments from people who feel sorry for redheaded babies. I am proud of my crowning glory and have never considered dyeing it.

JANET MASTERS, by email.

Wrong priorities

A STANDARD definition of a maternity hospital is one specialising in the treatment and care of women and babies during pregnancy and childbirth. So from the get-go it presupposes that we are dealing with two patients.

In this context it seems bizarre that a major preoccupation of most commentators in relation to the National Maternity Hospital is abortion. Surely this should be way down the list of priorities and is a total distortion of what a maternity hospital is all about.

Without rehashing arguments, it is a fact that prior to 2018, Ireland had one of the lowest maternal/ infant mortality rates in the world. So our maternity hospitals were obviously doing something right.

And if the procedure is to be ‘safe, legal and rare, why give abortion priority?

ERIC CONWAY, by email.