On Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, the Mental Health All-Party Group (APG), chaired by Pádraig Delargy MLA, officially launched its Inquiry Report into 'The Impact of Menopause on Mental Health' at the East Belfast Network Centre—home to the inspiring community hub that is the East Belfast Menopause Café.

This vital report gives a platform to women from across Northern Ireland, bringing their voices and lived experiences to the fore to better understand how menopause is impacting their mental health and overall wellbeing.

Despite menopause affecting half the population, women continue to face significant barriers in accessing appropriate and timely care, disrupting both their personal lives and professional journeys.

Many of the women who contributed to the report spoke candidly about symptoms like brain fog, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and sleep disturbances, with many revealing they hadn't initially recognised these issues as part of the menopause journey. Over 62% of respondents reported that menopause symptoms had a significant or high impact on their mental health and wellbeing. When you include those who reported a medium impact, that figure rises to a striking 91%. Yet despite this overwhelming impact, 40% had not sought professional help.

Recommendations for Real Change

The report sets out a range of clear, actionable recommendations to address the current gaps in care, support, and awareness:

• A regional approach to menopause services within health and social care, ensuring consistent and timely access to care across Northern Ireland.
• Enhanced menopause and mental health training for GPs and frontline health professionals, plus curriculum reform in medical and nursing education.
• Standardised menopause screening in primary care and increased availability of specialist clinics in all Health Trust areas.
• Support for community-led models like the Menopause Café, which offer safe, supportive spaces for peer connection.
• Workplace awareness and policy reform, including flexible working, manager training, and menopause-inclusive occupational health support.
• A societal shift through education and public awareness, integrating menopause into RSE in schools and sparking broader conversations that include men and employers.

Looking Ahead

We'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this launch event and report:

• Pádraig Delargy MLA, for chairing the event and reaffirming the APG's commitment to driving meaningful change through this work.
• Courtney Girvin and Kate Richardson, for their thoughtful presentation of the report's findings.
• Marie-Anne Templeman, for powerfully highlighting the real-world impact of the East Belfast Menopause Café and the importance of grassroots, community-based support.
• Mary Murphy, for analysing the survey data and helping identify key geographic disparities and intersectional differences.
• Megan Robinson, for designing the report and presenting the findings in an accessible fashion

To everyone who took part in the survey, thank you for your time, honesty, and for sharing your personal experiences. Your voices have been vital in shaping this work.

The report launch is only the beginning, but it's a crucial step forward in opening up conversations, challenging stigma, and advocating for better support for women's mental health during menopause.

👉 You can read the full report and learn more here: Click Here

👉 You can read AWARE NI's menopause and mental health factsheet for more information on the signs and symptoms and how to look after your mental wellbeing during this life transition: Click Here

Tags: Menopause | Mental Health | Mental Health APG | Northern Ireland