Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP, has said the time has come to acknowledge the debilitating impact of perimenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms on women’s quality of life and to move decisively to provide support in the public health system.

“For too long, menopause has been treated as a taboo subject. At the Ministry of Health and Wellness, we are seeking to change that narrative by ensuring that every woman, no matter where she lives, has access to information, care, and support,” the Minister said.

Data from the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre at The University of the West Indies, Mona, he noted, supports the move, with an estimated 130,000 menopausal women, some 76,200 perimenopausal and 75,000 post-menopausal in Jamaica today.

Women usually experience menopause between 45 and 55 years old, as a natural part of biological ageing and it is deemed to have occurred following 12 consecutive months without menstruation. It can also be a result of surgical or medical procedures that involve the removal of both ovaries or medical interventions that cause cessation of ovarian function, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Perimenopause – that period before menopause when women begin to see changes in the menstrual cycle – can last for several years and “can affect physical, emotional, mental and social well-being”, according to information from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

At the same time, the global population of postmenopausal women is also reportedly growing, with women over 50 accounting for some 26% of all women and girls globally in 2021 – up from 22% a decade earlier, the WHO has also revealed.

Postmenopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, which are symptoms that can also impact women in perimenopause and menopause, can persist for up to 10 years.

“The primary healthcare life stage approach will address and explore an approach that will involve public education and a treatment regime that features physicians’ examination and advice at the primary care level,” the Minister said.

“I am aware that there is a particular concern about the non-availability of medications that can help to ease the symptoms. We are currently examining how this can be addressed, and I am committed to ensuring that this is done,” he added.

“Meanwhile, the Ministry has a focus on mental health and offers counselling and a hot line (888-NEW-LIFE, that is, 888-639-5433), which is a good resource for help. I encourage women who are having difficulties to use the service,” Dr. Tufton said further.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie has encouraged women who are experiencing changes such as irregular periods, hot flashes, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping to visit their nearest health centre or speak with their healthcare provider.