In conversations on the streets last week one thing became clear: Most Jamaicans have heard of menopause but very few truly understand it.

Menopause is the natural transition when a woman’s menstruation stops, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. According to Harvard University, women may experience hot flashes, sudden feelings of heat and discomfort, particularly in the face and neck; irregular periods leading up to menopause; and sleep disturbances, often caused by night sweats. Over time, disrupted sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and emotional strain.

Men and women alike could only describe it in simple terms. A natural stage. A time of discomfort. But beyond that, there was uncertainty. Many women said they simply “deal with it”. Men viewed it as a “women’s issue” and admitted they were unsure how to help.

What also emerged was something more concerning: Many women are experiencing menopause in silence, either because they do not feel comfortable discussing it or because they are unsure if help exists. That reality demands our attention.

This issue came into sharper focus last year when I was invited to a menopause event. I listened as women spoke about their experiences and the lack of attention given to this stage of life. That experience prompted me to learn more and to consider how I could advocate more effectively for women navigating this transition.

Menopause is often treated as something routine, something to be endured quietly. In some spaces it is even trivialised. We have all heard comments suggesting that a woman’s mood or behaviour must be because “she is going through menopause”. These remarks may seem light, but they reflect a deeper lack of empathy and understanding.

As a nation, we must do better

Menopause is not a punchline. It is a significant biological transition that affects women. It deserves serious attention and support, not dismissal or stigma.

In October 2025 I indicated that the time had come to acknowledge the impact of menopause on women’s quality of life. I also made it clear that we must move decisively to provide greater support through the public health system.

For too long menopause has been treated as a taboo subject. At the Ministry of Health and Wellness we are working to change that by ensuring that every woman, regardless of where she lives, has access to information, care, and support.

Work already underway

I have established a dedicated committee, led by Professor Denise Eldemire Shearer, to develop a comprehensive national response. This committee is engaged in critical work — including focus groups with affected women and stakeholders — to ensure that any policy we develop is rooted in what women are experiencing. These consultations will inform a policy framework for addressing menopause in Jamaica.

The scale of this issue

The data is stark. According to the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre at The University of the West Indies, there are an estimated 130,000 menopausal women in Jamaica today, with tens of thousands more in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal stages. For many women, the effects of menopause can persist for a decade or more. This is not a short phase.

One concern that has emerged through our consultations is that menopause-related conditions are not always recognised within our health-care system. This can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. A primary healthcare approach is essential. One that strengthens public education, ensures earlier recognition of menopause-related challenges, and improves access to medical guidance at the primary care level.

What women need

What women need most is understanding. They need partners who listen. They need colleagues who are respectful. They need communities that support them. Because menopause does not only affect the individual; it can affect relationships, communication, and emotional connections within families and workplaces — particularly when there is limited understanding from those closest to them.

Menopause is not just a woman’s issue. It is a societal issue that affects our homes, our workplaces, and our national well-being.

Moving forward

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is committed to moving beyond silence and stigma. We are developing a comprehensive policy framework on menopause, informed by consultation with women, health-care providers, and communities. In the coming months I will present a detailed road map for how we will transform support across the public health system.

But this work cannot succeed without partnership. I call on employers to implement supportive workplace policies. I urge partners and family members to listen and learn. And I invite health-care providers to join us in this work.

Menopause does not discriminate. Neither should our response. The time to act is now.

Dr Chris Tufton, CD, MP, is Jamaica’s minister of health and wellness.