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

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

“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

Menopausal Hormone Therapy

What is one of the points of consensus about menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)?

One of the points of consensus in the Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section B: General Principles Governing the Use of MHT – endorsed by seven menopause-related organizations – published online 20 June 2016, is:

  • “Consideration of MHT for symptom relief or osteoporosis prevention should be a part of an overall strategy including lifestyle recommendations regarding diet, exercise, smoking cessation and safe levels of alcohol consumption for maintaining the health and quality of life of peri- and postmenopausal women”.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

In Menopause: When To See Your GP the (United Kingdom) NHS elaborate on:

“It’s worth talking to a GP if you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you or if you’re experiencing symptoms of the menopause before 45 years of age”.14

Who is a GP?

DotS and/or DotC (Depending on the Country) a GP may be a qualified and registered general practitioner, a medical practitioner, a medical doctor or a doctor.

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. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
  3. BMS & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women
  4. BWHI Anniversary Week 8 – 14 August 2021 [Black Women’s Health Imperative, United States] BWHI Anniversary Week
  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 Launches National Workplace Equity Initiative To Combat Workplace Inequities and Health Disparities
  10. Black Women’s Health Study
  11. Cerving Conversations: An Intimate Chat With Ciara About Self-Care
  12. CYL2 Change Your Lifestyle. Change Your Life: CYL2 Has Gone Virtual
  13. Can Menopause Cause Anxiety, Depression or Panic Attacks?
  14. Causes of Menopause
  15. Change Your Numbers. Change Your Life.
  16. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
  17. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  18. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  19. Complementary and Herbal Therapies for Hot Flushes
  20. Consider Benefits, Risks When Prescribing Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  21. Consumer Health: Monitoring Your Blood Pressure At Home
  22. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Women’s Profiles
  23. Fibroid Foundation [United States]
  24. Fibroids
  25. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  26. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society]
  27. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  28. Forward [United Kingdom]
  29. Glossary of Terms
  30. HRT: Types, Doses and Regimens
  31. Heart Disease In Black Women: The Big Issue You Might Not Know About
  32. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  33. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
  34. How Long Does Menopause Last? – Ask Dr Jean
  35. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  36. Is Testosterone the Answer To Low Libido?
  37. Let’s Talk About Menopause | Aware Webinar
  38. Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
  39. Maintaining Your Weight and Health During and After Menopause
  40. Managing Menopausal Symptoms—Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Not the Only Option!
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video]
  42. Mayo Clinic Minute: Lifestyle Changes To Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  43. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Don’t Miss A Beat With Preventive Heart Care [+ Video]
  44. Menopause
  45. Menopause
  46. Menopause
  47. Menopause
  48. Menopause
  49. Menopause & Herbs
  50. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  51. Menopause FAQs: Expert Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause
  52. Menopause Glossary
  53. Menopause Hormone Therapy: Who Shouldn’t Take It?
  54. Menopause What Are the SymptomsMenopause Is Different for Women of Color
  55. Menopause Matters
  56. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  57. Menopause – Multiply Languages
  58. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment
  59. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
  60. Menopause: How Will It Affect My Health? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  61. Menopause: Is It Starting?
  62. Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
  63. Menopause: What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  64. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes
  65. Menstrual Calendar
  66. My Periods Have Changed. Is Menopause Around the Corner?
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
  69. National Women’s Blood Pressure Awareness Week
  70. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  71. Perimenopause
  72. Perimenopause
  73. Reclaim Your Wellness Webinar “Obesity – When Diet & Exercise Are Not Enough”
  74. Releasethepressure.org [Release the Pressure, United States]
  75. Risks and Benefits of MHT
  76. Supporting Women Through Menopause – Fact Sheet
  77. Symptoms of Menopause
  78. The Black Women’s Health Imperative Workplace Equity Initiative
  79. The Menopause: Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  80. The Menopause: Supporting Someone Through the Menopause [+ Video: Men Don’t Need To Know About Menopause]
  81. The Menopause: The Menopause [+ Video: Menopause]
  82. The Menopause Years
  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-2021: Importance of Contraception at Perimenopause
  88. Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  89. Video Series-2021: What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
  90. Video Series-2021: What You Need To Know About the #1 Cause of Death In Women
  91. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  92. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Migraine Headaches
  93. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: The Menopause Blues
  94. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Women and Covid: Not Quite the Same As Men – for Women
  95. Videos and Podcasts: World Menopause Day 2021 – Interviews: Bone Health
  96. Videos and Podcasts: World Menopause Day 2021 – Interviews: Bone Health What Why and How
  97. Webinars: Previous – Breast Cancer
  98. What Are the 34 Symptoms of Menopause?
  99. World Menopause Day – Patient Information Leaflet: Update on Bone Health [Multiply Languages] Black Women’s 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: 02 January 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: 02 January 2022
  3. What Is Menopause? Key Points. Content Updated February 2016. Australasian Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/185-what-is-menopause Accessed: 02 January 2022
  4. About Menopause: What Is Menopause? Last Updated: 23 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 02 January 2022
  5. Menopause: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397 Accessed: 02 January 2022
  6. Velez, A. Menopause Is Different for Women of Color. 10 March 2021. https://www.endocrineweb.com/menopause-different-women-color Accessed: 02 January 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. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6784846/ Accessed: 02 January 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://3hqwxl1mqiah5r73r2q7zll1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/BWHI_NHPA_2020-21.pdf Accessed: 02 January 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: 02 January 2022
  10. De Villiers, T. J., Hall, J. E., Pinkerton, J. V., Pérez, S. C., Rees, M., Yang, C. and Pierroz, D. D. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section B: General Principles Governing the Use of MHT. Climacteric, 2016;19:4:314 https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/global-consensus-hrt-2016-06.pdf Accessed: 02 January 2022
  11. Velez, A. Menopause Is Different for Women of Color. 10 March 2021. https://www.endocrineweb.com/menopause-different-women-color Accessed: 02 January 2022
  12. About Menopause: When To Visit Your Doctor. Last Updated: 23 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 02 January 2022
  13. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 14 October 2020. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 02 January 2022
  14. Menopause: Overview – When To See Your GP. Page Last Reviewed: 29 August 2018. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/#when-to-see-your-gp Accessed: 02 January 2022

Last Updated: 02 January 2022 – Last Revised: 02 January 2022
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