From symptoms to solutions: Dr Charmaine Thomas introduces new era of menopause wellness in Jamaica
WITH rising awareness of hormone-related health challenges, the Menopause Rebirth Workshop, hosted by Dr Charmaine Thomas on March 30, delivered a transformative wellness experience grounded in science and compassion.
Attendees gained actionable strategies to manage common symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, hot flashes, immobility, and weight gain, while also learning about advanced therapies such as bioidentical hormone replacement, nutrition-based healing, and pelvic floor care. Dr Thomas said the workshop signals a new era in menopause wellness in Jamaica, one where women are no longer expected to “just deal with it”.
The workshop served as the launch of the Menopause Rebirth Movement which aims to empower women with education, practical lifestyle strategies, and community support.
Dr Thomas, architect of the movement and a menopause expert, called for a fundamental shift in how society views menopause.
“Menopause is a new beginning. Choose health, strength, and a vibrant life,” she said.
Despite over 3,500 women entering menopause daily worldwide, Jamaica’s healthcare system has yet to fully address the long-term implications. Dr Thomas highlighted the growing crisis of untreated symptoms, lack of insurance coverage for hormone therapy, and the urgent need for policymakers and the medical community to prioritise menopause care.
Men and women from all over the island engaged in interactive sessions with a panel of local and international experts. The sessions tackled the physical, emotional, and psychological impacts of menopause.
With menopause affecting nearly 50 per cent of Jamaica’s female population, improved care is essential, as hormonal decline increases the risk of serious illnesses, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension (the leading causes of death among women in Jamaica), Dr Thomas shared.
She said the Menopause Rebirth Movement is committed to reshaping the conversation, ensuring that women no longer have to suffer in silence.
Attendees come together for a group photo, celebrating connection and empowerment after the workshop.
