The Happy Hormone Health Seminar

hosted by Gráinne Seoige

Exclusive for INTO members

These events took place in May 2023.

Periods. Fertility. Menopause.

Hormones power women's health.

Whether you, or someone close to you, is experiencing unpleasant symptoms, thinking about starting a family, or just curious, we want to continue the conversation. A panel of doctors and experts provide vital education, resources and support for all ages, with the aim to answer members' questions.

Agenda

This two-part seminar runs from 6pm to 8pm so you can dip in and out depending on your interest.

Part 1: Hormone health & fertility

From 6pm to 7pm:

  • Periods – what is "normal"?
  • PMS, PMDD, PCOS, Endometriosis and other conditions
  • Fertility and when to seek help
  • Pathways of care
  • Pelvic Health – why it is so important
  • Q+A (anonymous)

Part 2: Menopause success

From 7pm to 8pm:

  • Perimenopause and menopause
  •  Symptoms to watch out for
  •  When is it time to see a GP?
  •  Is HRT for you?
  •  Top tips to thrive through menopause
  •  Q+A (anonymous)

Gráinne Seoige, MC, encourages members to register

“Our mothers and grandmothers did not have information, support or understanding. We are the generation to change that. Science is on our side and attitudes are changing. Every woman’s journey is different. So equipping ourselves with as much information as we can - will help us navigate in the best, healthiest way possible.”

A message from the panel

Dr. Sorca O' Brien

“There is a gap in education particularly around period health, what is normal and what is not. It’s important to open the discussion around PMS and medical conditions like PMDD, PCOS and Endometriosis as these issues can affect a woman’s quality of life. Knowing when to seek further assessment is vital with particular reference to fertility in order to maximise potential for success.”

Dr. Caoimhe Hartley

“I truly believe that there is a revolution happening in women’s health at the moment. I am delighted to be involved in this Hormone Health Series because it is part of this movement to empower women with evidence-based, reliable and accessible information.”

Laura Ward

Teachers present to my clinic every day, at all the different stages of their lives, with pelvic health problems. All too often these symptoms are related to bladder behaviours, and on reflection, it seems that these begin due to minor habits early in their career and then develop into more life limiting issues later on. Since being asked to speak at ‘The Happy Hormone Health Seminar’ I’m really excited to share more about how you can future-proof yourself against this becoming an issue for you too.”

Catherine O’ Keeffe

“Understanding the impact your hormones have on your health at all ages is crucial. I am passionate about empowering women to embrace themselves with the knowledge to thrive through these years - practical steps and lifestyle changes being key.”

More about the panel

Dr. Sorca O' Brien

Gynaecology & Fertility, Holles St & Merrion Fertility Clinic.

Dr. Sorca is passionate about women’s health, particularly access to fertility care. She regularly advocates for women’s health and has featured in the Irish Media on Newstalk, the Independent, etc. Her MD research focused on the integration of assisted reproduction technology into the public hospital system. Dr. Sorca joins us to answer INTO members' reproductive and fertility questions.

Dr. Caoimhe Hartley

GP specialist, Menopause Health.

Since qualifying in Medicine from UCD in 2007, Dr. Hartley has focused on Women’s Health and Menopause care. She is a British Menopause Society Trainer and has her own dedicated Menopause clinic in Dalkey , Co. Dublin. Dr. Hartley is a regular contributor to podcasts and Irish Media.

Laura Ward

Women's Health & Pelvic Specialist Chartered Physiotherapist.

The Founder and inspiration behind LWF Physiotherapy, Laura Ward is one of only a handful Full time Specialist Women’s Health & Pelvic Physiotherapists in Ireland. Being both a Mom and a Leading Clinician she has extensive experience in pelvic health. She has worked with teachers at all the different stages of their lives with pelvic health issues like bladder behaviour.

Catherine O’ Keeffe

Menopause Workplace Consultant.

As Ireland’s first Menopause coach, Catherine has helped hundreds of women nationwide on a one-to-one basis. She is the Irish representative for the Daisy Network, a support network for women with early Menopause. Catherine joins us to share her own personal story of perimenopause and practical strategies that help her and her clients.

Gráinne Seoige, MC

Gráinne is a talented broadcaster with a wealth of experience in presenting across RTÉ, TG4, Virgin Media and Sky News. Gaelgeoir Gráinne has a special interest in women’s health and recently produced and presented a ground-breaking documentary on TG4 where she explored menopause and met with women across the country to discuss their personal stories. She presented the findings to Minister Stephen Donnelly to advocate for the women of Ireland. Gráinne joins us to host and chair the event and will read out member questions (anonymously).

Videos

Dr Caoimhe Hartley

Laura Ward

Catherine O'Keeffe

Why was it set up?

The seminar was built in support of INTO’s objective to break down the stigma around reproductive health, fertility and menopause. So much has already been achieved by INTO in this area, with a proposed reproductive health leave bill in motion, backed by valuable research.

In a recent survey carried out by the union:

  • Almost half of respondents indicated that they experienced a pre 24-week miscarriage
  • Others experienced a polycystic ovaries diagnosis (15%) and endometriosis (15%)
  • 26% experienced fertility treatment
  • 43% had difficulty managing work and the menopause
  • 88% of all respondents said they would like a scheme to support members.

The aim of this seminar is to continue the conversation to help support INTO's movement.

*Source: INTO survey of members, 2,271 respondents, 2019. **Source: INTO survey sent to 4,800 members, 6% response rate, 2022.

Is there an in-person seminar?

There will be three in-person seminars taking place in May 2023, exclusively for members of the INTO Salary Protection Scheme. Since a high proportion of the Scheme is female, it was time we did something to support members in this area. After all, protecting your health is just as important as protecting your salary. 

In-person seminars take place as follows (booking required).

  1. Galway: 10th May 2023
  2. Cork:  17th May 2023
  3. Dublin: 24th May 2023

Places are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Details will be emailed to eligible members by Cornmarket.

Important: The information presented in this hormone health seminar is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Therefore, if you have signs and/or symptoms that are concerning on the topics discussed, now or in the future, please consult with your own GP without delay.

These seminars are brought to members by Cornmarket on behalf of the scheme underwriter and are not a regulated financial product. The seminars are managed by Zoom In events. The INTO Salary Protection Scheme is underwritten by Irish Life. Irish Life Assurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.