Black Women’s Menopause

“The research in SWAN shows that
Black women reach menopause at 49,
two years earlier than the national median age”.1

Umbrella
What may the Black Women’s Menopause Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Change of Life
  • Early Menopause
  • Going Through the Menopause
  • Induced Menopause
  • Menopausal/Menopause Transition
  • Menopause
  • Natural Menopause
  • Perimenopause
  • Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause
  • Postmenopause
  • Premature Menopause
  • Second Half of Your Life
  • Surgical Menopause
  • The Change
  • The Change of Life
  • The Menopause Years
  • The Menopause-Related Years
  • The Three Stages of Menopause
  • Turning St Catherine’s Corner

Definition

What is menopause?

DotS the definition of menopause may vary. The North American Menopause Society’s (NAMS) definition is:

“Menopause is a normal, natural event—defined as the final menstrual period and usually confirmed when a woman has missed her periods for 12 consecutive months (in the absence of other obvious causes)”.2

The Australasian Menopause Society’s (AMS) definition is:

“The term “menopause” refers to the final menstrual period”.3

The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:

“Menopause is the final menstrual period. Sometimes you only know you have had your final menstrual period if you have had no period for 12 months, as periods can occur very irregularly leading up to menopause and can happen months apart”.4

The (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It’s diagnosed after you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual period”.5

Menopause Age

Is there an association between Black women and menopause age?

In Menopause Is Different for Women of Color the author elaborates on:

Black Women’s Menopause

“In the US, the median age for reaching menopause (the point at which a person has gone for 12 consecutive months without a period) is 51. The research in SWAN shows that Black women reach menopause at 49, two years earlier than the national median age”.6

Vasomotor Symptoms

Is there an association between Black women and vasomotor symptoms defined as hot flashes and night sweats?

In The Menopause Transition and Women’s Health At Midlife: A Progress Report From the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN): Symptoms and Mental Health – Vasomotor Symptoms: Box 2 – Take-Home Messages: Symptoms and Mental Health the authors include:

“Vasomotor Symptoms

  • Black women have the highest prevalence, longest duration, and are most bothered by their vasomotor symptoms, whereas Asian women have the lowest vasomotor symptoms prevalence”.7

On page 22 in Black Women Vote: National Health Policy Agenda 2020 – 2021: E. Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice – Menopause the BWHI elaborate on:Black Women National Health Policy Agenda 2020-2021

“After menopause, for example, one of the most common discomforts is hot flashes, characterized by sudden feelings of warmth that spread over the upper body, often with blushing and sweating. Even there, the differences are stark. White women experience hot flashes for around 6.5 years after their final period, while for Latinas it’s 8.9 years, and for Black women it’s 10 years”.8

Same or Not

Do all women experience the same menopause?

No. Menopause is not one-size-fits-all. Although all women have a FMP, different women experience different symptoms, at different times, in different ways, for different lengths of time, before and after their FMP.

In Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Menopause – Symptoms the (British) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) guideline, the NICE elaborate on:

“Menopause affects every woman differently. You may have no symptoms at all, or they might be brief and short lived. For some women they are severe and distressing.

You can still get menopause symptoms if you have had a hysterectomy (an operation to remove your womb).

Other natural changes as you age can be intensified by menopause. For example, you may lose some muscle strength and have a higher risk of conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease”.9

SWAN Study

What was included in the Conclusion in Disparities In Reproductive Aging and Midlife Health Between Black and White Women: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), published 08 February 2022?

Included in the Conclusion Disparities In Reproductive Aging and Midlife Health Between Black and White Women: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN): Conclusion the authors elaborate on:

“As summarized in this review, SWAN has documented that Black women’s experience of reproductive aging differs from that of White women and that Black women enter midlife with a more adverse cardio-metabolic profile and more physical limitations. Consequently, early interventions on blood pressure, LDL, and waist circumference in midlife may be key to reducing Black women’s CVD risk, as would reductions in the disparities in treatment for hypertension. Increased attention to the role of structural factors and discrimination on midlife health is also warranted”.10

Perimenopause

How may Black women transition through perimenopause?

In Menopause Is Different for Women of Color: What Does This Mean for Women of Color? the author explains:

“You may be experiencing perimenopause symptoms sooner than you expected to. Now is a good time to find a gynecologist who specializes in menopause who can help you through this transition. For many women, perimenopause is a critical opportunity to make some lifestyle changes to support your health through the latter half of your life. It’s time to start putting yourself first, so you can serve as the elder your community needs”.11

Health Care ProviderBlack Women’s Menopause

What if I would like help with my menopause?

If you would like help with your menopause, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In About Menopause: When To See Your Doctor the JH explain:

  • “If you are troubled by irregular cycles
  • If you are worried about heavy bleeding/bleeding abnormal to you/bleeding between periods and/or after sex
  • If you have increased PMS (premenstrual syndrome) symptoms and/or pain
  • If you have some of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes, that interfere with your daily life”.12

The Mayo Clinic encourage us to seek help:

“Before deciding on any form of treatment, talk with your doctor about your options and the risks and benefits involved with each. Review your options yearly, as your needs and treatment options may change”.13

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Black Women’s Menopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Black Women’s Menopause?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

  1. 5 of the Most Common Questions About Menopause
  2. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  3. BWHI Anniversary Week 8 – 14 August 2021 [Black Women’s Health Imperative, United States]
  4. BWHI and The Heart Truth®: Empowering Black Women to Manage Stress With Self-Care for Heart Health
  5. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  6. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  7. Black Women More Likely To Gain Weight Than White Women After Menopause
  8. Black Women’s Health Imperative
  9. Black Women’s Health Imperative Releases 2022 National Diabetes AgendaBlack Women’s Health
  10. Black Women’s Health Study
  11. Can Menopause Cause Anxiety, Depression or Panic Attacks?
  12. Causes of Menopause
  13. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  14. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  15. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  16. Complementary and Herbal Therapies for Hot Flushes
  17. Consumer Health: Monitoring Your Blood Pressure At Home
  18. Disparities In Reproductive Aging and Midlife Health Between Black and White Women: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)
  19. EMAS Replay: Risk Assessment for MHT – When, To Whom, Which, and How Long? [Multiply Languages]
  20. EMAS Replay: The Relevance of Estrogen and Progestogen Choice for Breast Safety During MHT [Multiply Languages]
  21. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  22. Fibroidfoundation.org [Fibroid Foundation, United States]
  23. Fibroids
  24. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  25. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society]
  26. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  27. Forward [Foundation of Women’s Health Research and Development, United Kingdom]
  28. Glossary of Terms
  29. Heart Disease In Black Women: The Big Issue You Might Not Know About
  30. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  31. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
  32. How Long Does Menopause Last? – Ask Dr Jean
  33. How Menopause Impacts Your Health
  34. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health
  35. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Only Happens In Your 50s]
  36. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [+ Video: Is HRT Bad for You?]
  37. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Videos]
  38. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  39. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  40. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Supporting Someone Through the Menopause [+ Video: Men Don’t Need To Know About Menopause]
  41. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  42. Live Fierce
    Black Women’s Menopause
  43. Maintaining Your Weight and Health During and After Menopause
  44. May Is High Blood Pressure Education Month
  45. May Is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month 2022 #ExerciseToMaximise – Download the Digital Calendar
    Black Women’s Menopause
  46. Mayo Clinic Minute: Heart Disease In African American Women [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  47. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video]
  48. Mayo Clinic Minute: Lifestyle Changes To Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  49. Menopause
  50. Menopause
  51. Menopause
  52. Menopause
  53. Menopause
  54. Menopause & Herbs
  55. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  56. Menopause FAQs: Expert Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause
  57. Menopause Hormone Therapy: Who Shouldn’t Take It?
  58. Menopause Is Different for Women of Color
  59. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Black Women’s Menopause
  60. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Black Women’s Menopause
  61. Menopause Signs and Symptoms
  62. Menopause – Multiply Languages
  63. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  64. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  65. Menopause: Is It Starting?
  66. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
  67. Menopause: Unexpected Symptoms Catch Women By Surprise
  68. Menopause: What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  69. Menstrual Calendar
  70. My Periods Have Changed. Is Menopause Around the Corner?
  71. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  72. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
  73. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  74. Perimenopause
  75. Perimenopause
  76. Postmenopause
  77. Reclaim Your Rhythm with Go Red for Women
  78. Releasethepressure.org [Release the Pressure, United States]
  79. Sister’s with Superpowers Presented By BWHI: Centering Black Women and their Sexual Health
  80. Supporting Women Through Menopause – Fact Sheet
  81. Symptoms of Menopause
  82. The Black Women’s Health Imperative Workplace Equity Initiative
  83. Transformations: The Mental Health Issues That Can Accompany Menopause Often Go Unaddressed
  84. Understanding Menopause – Booklet
  85. Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
  86. Video Series-2021: How Menopause Symptoms Can Affect Your Quality of Life
  87. Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  88. Video Series-2022: Irregular Menstrual Cycles What’s Normal and What’s Abnormal?
  89. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  90. Video Series-2022: Understanding Screening Guidelines for Breast Cancer and the Importance of Identifying Risk Factors
  91. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Is Menopause Brain Fog Real?
  92. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Menopause More Than Hot Flashes
  93. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: The Menopause Blues
  94. Webinar: Perimenopause
  95. Webinars: Previous – Menopause: A Cardio-Metabolic Transition
  96. Webinars: Previous – Sexual Health Issues In Menopause
  97. Webinars: Previous – The Early Menopausal Patient
  98. What Are the 34 Symptoms of Menopause?
  99. What Is the Menopause?
  100. Yarning About Menopause

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Velez, A. Menopause Is Different for Women of Color. 10 March 2021. https://www.endocrineweb.com/menopause-different-women-color Accessed: 30 May 2022
  2. Menopause FAQs: An Introduction To Menopause – Q. What Is Menopause? North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopause-faqs-an-introduction-to-menopause Accessed: 30 May 2022
  3. What Is Menopause? Key Points. Content Created May 2022. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/185-what-is-menopause Accessed: 30 May 2022
  4. About Menopause: What Is Menopause? Last Updated: 28 February 2022 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 30 May 2022
  5. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397 Accessed: 30 May 2022
  6. Velez, A. Menopause Is Different for Women of Color. 10 March 2021. https://www.endocrineweb.com/menopause-different-women-color Accessed: 30 May 2022
  7. El Khoudary, S. R. et al. The Menopause Transition and Women’s Health At Midlife: A Progress Report From the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN): Symptoms and Mental Health – Vasomotor Symptoms: Box 2 – Take-Home Messages: Symptoms and Mental Health. Published Online: 26 October 2019 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784846/ Accessed: 30 May 2022
  8. Black Women Vote: National Health Policy Agenda 2020 – 2021: E. Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice – Menopause, 2020:22. Black Women’s Health Initiative https://bwhi.org/2020/10/27/black-womens-health-imperative-releases-national-health-policy-agenda/ Accessed: 30 May 2022
  9. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Menopause – Symptoms. Published Date: 12 November 2015. Last Updated: 05 December 2019. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/ifp/chapter/Menopause Accessed: 30 May 2022
  10. Harlow, S.D., Burnett-Bowie, SA.M., Greendale, G.A. et al. Disparities In Reproductive Aging and Midlife Health Between Black and White women: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Women’s Midlife Health 8, 3 (2022) https://womensmidlifehealthjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40695-022-00073-y Accessed: 30 May 2022
  11. Velez, A. Menopause Is Different for Women of Color. 10 March 2021. https://www.endocrineweb.com/menopause-different-women-color Accessed: 30 May 2022
  12. About Menopause: When To Visit Your Doctor. Last Updated: 28 February 2022 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 30 May 2022
  13. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 30 May 2022

Last Updated: 30 May 2022 – Last Revised: 30 May 2022
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by