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 your final menstrual period. If you haven’t had a period for 12 months, you’ve reached menopause”.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. A Review of African American Women’s Experiences In Menopause
  3. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  4. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  5. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  6. Black Women More Likely To Gain Weight Than White Women After Menopause
  7. Black Women’s Health Imperative
  8. Black Women’s Health Study
  9. Can Menopause Cause Anxiety, Depression or Panic Attacks?
  10. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  11. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  12. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  13. Diagnosing Menopause
  14. Disparities In Reproductive Aging and Midlife Health Between Black and White Women: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)
  15. Dr. Louise Newson Breaks Down The Menopause & Lisa Snowdon Shares Her Experience | This Morning
  16. EMAS Menopause Essentials
  17. EMAS Replay [Webinars]
  18. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  19. Fibroids
  20. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  21. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society]
  22. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  23. Forward [Foundation of Women’s Health Research and Development, United Kingdom]
  24. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  25. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
  26. How Long Does Menopause Last? – Ask Dr Jean
  27. How Long Will I Have Hot Flashes and What Causes Them?
  28. How To Know If You Are In Menopause
  29. How Menopause Impacts Your Health
  30. How To Combat Menopausal Weight Gain | This Morning
  31. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  32. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health
  33. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Only Happens In Your 50s]
  34. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Videos]
  35. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  36. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  37. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  38. Managing Your Symptoms
  39. Mayo Clinic Minute: Heart Disease In African American Women [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  40. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video]
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  42. Menopause
  43. Menopause
  44. Menopause
  45. Menopause
  46. Menopause
  47. Menopause
  48. Menopause Awareness and Education Should Start Earlier In-Life [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  49. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  50. Menopause FAQs: Expert Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause
  51. Menopause Hormone Therapy and Complementary Alternative Medicine, Quality of Life, and Racial/Ethnic Differences: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)
  52. Menopause Is Different for Women of Color
  53. Menopause Management Options
  54. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Black Women’s Menopause
  55. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Black Women’s Menopause
  56. Menopause Mindfulness: A Personal Toolkit for Menopause Preparedness
  57. Menopause Mindfulness: Embracing the Change of My Midlife
  58. Menopause Patient Information [Videos: 5]
  59. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series
  60. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Understanding Menstrual Health and Menopause
  61. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: What Is Menopause?
  62. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  63. Menopause Signs and Symptoms
  64. Menopause and Diabetes
  65. Menopause – Multiply Languages
  66. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  67. Menopause: Is It Starting?
  68. Menopause: Unexpected Symptoms Catch Women By Surprise
  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. Perimenopause
  74. Perimenopause
  75. Postmenopause
  76. Releasethepressure.org [Release the Pressure, United States]
  77. Supporting Women Through Menopause – Fact Sheet
  78. Symptoms of Menopause
  79. The Black Women’s Health Imperative Workplace Equity Initiative
  80. Transformations: The Mental Health Issues That Can Accompany Menopause Often Go Unaddressed
  81. Understanding Mental Health and the Obesity Factor
  82. Understanding Premature & Early Menopause – Booklet
  83. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  84. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  85. Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
  86. Video Series-2022: Irregular Menstrual Cycles What’s Normal and What’s Abnormal?
  87. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  88. Video Series-2022: Wellness: What Is It?
  89. Videos and Podcasts Archive: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Menopause and Diabetes
  90. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews – How To Protect Your Brain Health At Menopause and Beyond
  91. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews – What Women Should Know About Menopause and Brain Fog
  92. Webinar: Perimenopause
  93. Webinars: Previous – Abnormal Uterine Bleeding In Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women
  94. Webinars: Previous – Dealing With A Big Issue: Weight Gain At Midlife
  95. Webinars: Previous – Osteoporosis for Midlife Women and Beyond
  96. What Are the 34 Symptoms of Menopause?
  97. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  98. What Is Menopause?
  99. What Is 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: 31 October 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: 31 October 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: 31 October 2022
  4. What Is Menopause? The Menopause Transition: Menopause. Last Updated: 29 September 2022 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 31 October 2022
  5. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397 Accessed: 31 October 2022
  6. Velez, A. Menopause Is Different for Women of Color. 10 March 2021. https://www.endocrineweb.com/menopause-different-women-color Accessed: 31 October 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: 31 October 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: 31 October 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: 31 October 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: 31 October 2022
  11. Velez, A. Menopause Is Different for Women of Color. 10 March 2021. https://www.endocrineweb.com/menopause-different-women-color Accessed: 31 October 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: 31 October 2022
  13. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 31 October 2022
Last Updated: 31 October 2022 – Last Revised: 31 October 2022

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