Most women believe menopause is something to deal with at 50. They say they will think about it when it comes, not before. But what if we chose to prepare at 35, while our bodies are still strong, before the hot flashes and sleepless nights, before our confidence slips away?
That is why I sat down with Chloe DaCosta, Creative Director and Chief Brand Officer of Menopause Rebirth. She is the architect who helped me shape this movement, but she is also living it in real time. At 35, she is already preparing for menopause. Her story is proof that rebirth does not start when everything falls apart. It starts when you decide to rebuild on purpose.
The Shift Before the Shift
When I asked Chloe why she is preparing now, her answer cut through the noise:
“Almost exactly one year ago, I worked myself into a hospital bed.” – Chloe DaCosta
She shared how constant pressure, endless deadlines, and the belief that “if I do not work, I do not eat” landed her in crisis. That hospital stay became a wake-up call. She realised that waiting for symptoms was too late.
Chloe is living proof that preparation is not dramatic. It is radical self-care.
The Breakdown Before the Breakthrough
Chloe told me she felt embarrassed lying in a hospital bed, surrounded by family and friends who came to care for her. She was the one who preached community and wellness to others, yet she had abandoned herself.
Her breakdown became the doorway to breakthrough. She chose to start preparing, not because she had symptoms, but because she never wanted to reach that point again.
I know many women believe they are “too young” to think about menopause. Chloe’s story shows that it is not too early. It is right on time.
The Taboo and the Truth
There is still stigma around early preparation. Many believe it is unnecessary, even dramatic. Chloe challenged that belief head-on:
“I thought menopause was for women in their 50s. Now I know it can begin much earlier, even at 35. Why would I not prepare?” – Chloe DaCosta
Our mothers and grandmothers lived in different environments, ate different foods, and carried different stress. Today, we face processed diets, toxins, and burnout at every turn. Early preparation is not vanity. It is wisdom.
The Candle for This Episode
For this episode, we lit the Awareness candle by Wicks by Grey, infused with hazelnut and coffee. It was the perfect symbol for this conversation.
Awareness is what Chloe gained when her body forced her to stop. Awareness is what she is now choosing daily of her diet, her boundaries, her rituals, and her walk with God. Lighting this candle reminded us that knowledge is healing, and preparation is a gift to yourself.
The Rebirth
Chloe described how her daily life has shifted since that wake-up call. She no longer runs on autopilot. She eats with intention, guards her boundaries, and chooses her peace with purpose.
“I choose myself aggressively now. Before it was just vibes. Now it is intentional.” – Chloe DaCosta
She also admitted she still wrestles with control, but she recognises God’s hand guiding her through the process.
“It is God doing it. He had to show me that I cannot plan everything. I needed to stop managing life and start living it.” – Chloe DaCosta
Her rebirth is not a future event. It is happening now, every day, in every choice she makes.
Building a Brand, Finding Herself
Chloe thought she was helping me build Menopause Rebirth for other women. Somewhere along the way, she realised she needed it for herself too.
“I thought I was helping build Menopause Rebirth… but really, I was rebuilding me.” – Chloe DaCosta
This is the heart of the movement. It is not only about creating resources for women in their 50s. It is about building a safe space for every woman, at every stage, to reclaim her body and her confidence.
Watch, Listen and Take the Next Step
You can listen to Episode 4: I’m 35 and Already Preparing for Menopause wherever you stream your podcasts.
👉 [Watch on YouTube]
👉 [Listen on Spotify]
👉 [Listen on Apple Podcasts]
👉 [Listen on Amazon Music]
👉 [Stream on Buzzsprout]
Your Next Steps:
- 🎧 Listen to Episode 4 now and share it with a friend who thinks she is “too young” to prepare.
- 🕯️ Light the journey with us: check out the Awareness candle by Wicks by Grey, the featured scent for this episode.
- 📩 Download free menopause resources here and start preparing with knowledge, not fear.
- 👩⚕️ Explore menopause services with me here if you are ready for personalised support.
- 📲 Follow @menopauserebirth and @drcharthomas for daily encouragement, insights, and community.
Because you do not have to fall apart to begin again. Preparation is rebirth.
by: Dr Charmaine Thomas
Dr Charmaine Thomas is Jamaica’s leading menopause specialist, physician, and founder of the Menopause Rebirth Movement. She is dedicated to changing the conversation around women’s health in the Caribbean and beyond through her clinic, workshops, and the Menopause Rebirth Podcast.
