The Ministry of Health and Wellness is exploring programmes that are tailored to meet the health and other challenges of older Jamaicans, such as menopause in women, and loss of testosterone and diminished libido in men.

To this end, a team headed by Dr Denise Eldemire Shearer has been asked to explore and establish a standard clinical response for women experiencing what can at times be the debilitating effects of menopause.

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton spoke to the issue on Tuesday during his contribution to the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

“It is time to recognise that our women experiencing these symptoms [of menopause] deserve our support as a society,” the minister stated.

Pointing out that the perimenopausal period is one of those issues that affect the well-being and productivity of women, Tufton said more focus will be placed this year on exploring availability and access to holistic management in the public sector.

“This will be addressed first through increasing knowledge and awareness among health-care workers and equipping them to educate the public at the primary care visits,” said Tufton.

He stressed that menopause is neither a disease nor a disorder. “However, it impacts the state of mind and overall wellness of so many of our women, some of whom begin to experience symptoms as early as in their 30s,” he said.

The health and wellness minister pointed to a study by the British Menopausal Society which notes that more than 80 per cent of women will be menopausal by age 54, with up to 80 to 90 per cent of women having symptoms, 25 per cent of which will be described as severe and debilitating.

“There is also growing evidence that there should be a clinical response to this personal life stage experience,” the minister noted.

Tufton also told the House that older men are an important focus within the ministry’s health care delivery framework.

“As men age, they undergo hormonal changes — particularly a gradual decline in testosterone levels — which, although distinct from the hormonal transitions experienced by women, can nonetheless lead to a range of physical, sexual, and psychological health challenges. These may include fatigue, decreased libido, mood changes, and reduced muscle mass,” he said.

“Recognising and addressing these issues is essential to promoting the well-being and quality of life of older men. As such, their specific health needs will also form a part of the ministry’s overall strategy to offer comprehensive care for the ageing population, through the adoption of the life course approach,” he added.