As part of her new documentary programme, Meanapás: Meon Nua, Gráinne Seoige explores the topic of menopause and how it is handled in this country.
Throughout the hour-long programme, Gráinne will look at the various challenges associated with menopause, and she will meet with women across the country to discuss their personal stories.
Gráinne meets with women such as Jess Ní Mhaoláin who speaks about her experience of early menopause and the difficulties that come with it. Gráinne also speaks with menopause coach and author Breeda Bermingham about the stigma that surrounds menopause and the link between it and mental health.
Gráinne chats with Deirdre O’Kane about her recent comedy show, which discusses the menopause and the pair discuss the perception of menopausal women, especially those who work in the public eye. To examine the role of the employer, Gráinne travels to Carlow to meet with Lorraine Garvey and Maeve McCleane who both work for Lidl and the pair inform Gráinne about the company’s menopause policy. Gráinne connects with family friend Máire hOibicín Uí Eidhin and learns about how previous generations handled the topic of menopause. A panel of experts join Gráinne to chat about various aspects of menopause including the connection between menopause and sex.
It is Gráinne’s aim throughout the documentary to ensure that the Irish people have access to accurate information around menopause and so she meets with The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to appeal to him to start a national information campaign. Armed with what she has learned from her conversations with the women she has met with, Gráinne visits the Department of Health and speaks openly with the Minister and the lack of information and the need to inform women in particular about the menopause.
Meanapás: Meon Nua will air on TG4 at 9.30pm on November 2nd.
