Gráinne Seoige will explore the topic of menopause and how it is handled in Ireland as part of a new documentary on TG4 on 2 November.
The hour-long programme will look the various challenges associated with menopause, and Gráinne will meet women from across the country who share their personal stories.
She meets women such as Jess Ní Mhaoláin who speaks about her experience of early menopause and the difficulties that come with it.
Menopause coach and author Breeda Bermingham meets Gráinne to discuss the stigma that surrounds menopause, and its relationship with mental health.
The Galway presenter also speaks to Deirdre O’Kane about her recent comedy show which talks about 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.
She then connects with family friend Máire hOibicín Uí Eidhin and learns about how previous generations handled the topic of menopause.
A panel of experts also feature in the documentary to chat about various aspects of menopause including the connection between menopause and sex.
Throughout the documentary, Gráinne aims to ensure that the Irish people have access to accurate information around menopause, and she meets Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to call for a national information campaign.
Armed with what she has learned from her conversations with the women she has met, 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 2 November.
