‘Every woman is different, so every menopause is different’
Michelle Taite
A Cavan GP is on a mission to break the stigma around menopause by opening a specialised clinic in Cavan Town.
Dara Hume, General Practitioner at Drumalee Cross Family Practice, has decided to use her experience as both a GP and a woman going through menopause, to educate women across the county.
“The reason today is so special is because it’s World Menopause Day. It’s highlighting menopause for women internationally,” says Dr Hume when the Celt called on Tuesday, October 18.
Originally a monthly clinic, as it grew in popularity, Dr Hume increased its frequency to once a week.
“I love my menopause clinic day. I do a full day clinic each week and I love it. I find it so rewarding because I can help.
“I know who’s coming in, I have the information in front of me beforehand. We go through all her symptoms and how it’s affecting her, and I have time to go off on tangents if needs be.”
Dr Hume has received encouraging feedback from her patients.
“The most common feedback I get is ‘God, it’s great to talk to someone who knows what I’m talking about.’ I am that soldier, I have no problem saying it. I’ve been on HRT myself for the last year and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Dr Hume became more interested in menopause when it started to affect her personally. By combining nutrition, exercise and education, she found out what worked for her. Now she is keen to share her wisdom and experience with other women.
“It’s the one condition that 51 % of the world’s population will experience in their life, which is pretty phenomenal seeing as women didn’t talk about it probably until the last few years,” says Dr Hume passionately about the subject.
“Women are now coming out and talking about their menopause. Every woman is different, so every menopause is different.”
Asked when women should seek help or advice, Dr Hume responded: “The key is to recognise it, see if you’re struggling and, if you are struggling, go and get help.”
The Cavan clinic has seen women aged from their early 40s right up to their late 60s, but it is mostly women in their late 40s and early 50s who attend.
She reveals that the perimenopause can begin up to 10 and sometimes even 15 years before your periods actually stop.
“You’re not actually menopausal until 12 months after your last period and then you’re post-menopausal. So the peri is when things are changing, maybe just symptoms are beginning to sneak in like mood swings, low libido, anxiety, sometimes then palpitations, obviously period change and all that.
“When things are changing, that’s the time to come, or to say - maybe I’ll just watch it for a little while. Now if I’m running into trouble, I need to be seen.”
The menopause appointments are longer than those of a general GP, allow her clients as much time and attention as they need.
“Sometimes it may be a little bit on sexual health or relationship issues or stress management and I have time to go down that avenue; rather than, here’s your symptoms, here’s your prescription. I don’t think that’s adequate management of that lady’s issues.”
Dr Hume advises any woman suffering in silence to contact Drumalee Cross Family Practice on 049-4362266.
“I think it’s wonderful that all these women are able to talk about their menopause and able to iterate what their symptoms are and ask for help and be listened to.”