Black Women’s Menopause

“African American women experience distinct differences
in physical, psychological, social,
and quality of life measures during menopause”.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 (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”.3

Menopause Experience

What is known about black women’s experiences in menopause?

In A Review of African American Women’s Experiences In Menopause: Importance and Objective, published November 2022, the authors explain:

“Little is known and reported about the experiences of African American women as they transition to and experience menopause. Accepted norms are based on the experience of a predominantly White population”.4

Different Differences

Do black women have unique experiences in menopause?

In A Review of African American Women’s Experiences In Menopause: Discussion and Conclusion the authors also note:

Black Women’s Menopause“African American women experience distinct differences in physical, psychological, social, and quality of life measures during menopause. Increasing awareness about the unique menopause experiences of African American women is critically important to improve the health of this underserved population”.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:

“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:

“Talk to your doctor if you are worried about:

  • Irregular periods
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Increased premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms
  • Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, that interfere with your daily life”.12

The (United States) 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 A-Z 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.

New or Updated

  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. BMS TV: Menopause Explained
  5. BMS TV: Menopause – Weight Gain, Nutrition and Lifestyle
  6. BWHI Fair Work Initiative [Black Women’s Health Imperative, United States]
  7. BWHI’s Impact Report on Spearheading Healthy Outcomes
  8. Black Women’s Health Imperative
  9. Black Women’s Health Study
  10. Correction: Disparities In Reproductive Aging and Midlife Health Between Black and White Women: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)
  11. Diagnosing Menopause
  12. Disparities In Reproductive Aging and Midlife Health Between Black and White Women: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)
  13. Dr Louise Newson Breaks Down The Menopause & Lisa Snowdon Shares Her Experience | This Morning
  14. Dr Louise Newson: The Truth About the Menopause & HRT
  15. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  16. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society]
  17. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  18. Forward [Foundation of Women’s Health Research and Development, United Kingdom]
  19. Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
  20. Hot Flashes
  21. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  22. How Does Race Affect Menopause Care?
  23. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  24. How Long Will I Have Hot Flashes and What Causes Them?
  25. How To Know If You Are In Menopause
  26. How Menopause Impacts Your Health
  27. How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health
  28. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause. Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  29. Is Menopause Making Me Put on Weight? No, But It’s Complicated
  30. 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
  31. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Only Happens In Your 50s]
  32. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Videos]
  33. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  34. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  35. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  36. Managing Your Symptoms
  37. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  38. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  39. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  40. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Perimenopause Transitions and Concerns
  41. Menopause
  42. Menopause
  43. Menopause
  44. Menopause
  45. Menopause Hormone Therapy and Complementary Alternative Medicine, Quality of Life, and Racial/Ethnic Differences: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)
  46. Menopause Hormone Therapy and Complementary Alternative Medicine, Quality of Life, and Racial/Ethnic Differences: SWAN [Video]
  47. Menopause Is Different for Women of Color
  48. Menopause Management Options
  49. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Black Women’s Menopause
  50. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
    Black Women’s Menopause
  51. Menopause Mindfulness: A Personal Toolkit for Menopause Preparedness
  52. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 1. What Is Menopause?
  53. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  54. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Understanding Menstrual Health and Menopause
  55. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: What Is Menopause?
  56. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  57. Menopause Signs and Symptoms
  58. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  59. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  60. Menopause Wellness Hub
  61. Menopause and Diabetes
  62. Menopause and Mental Health
  63. Menopause – Multiply Languages
  64. Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments With Madelyn Butler, MD [Podcast]
  65. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  66. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  67. Menopause: Unexpected Symptoms Catch Women By Surprise
  68. Menstrual Calendar
  69. Mood and the Menopause
  70. My Periods Have Changed. Is Menopause Around the Corner?
  71. Navigating Menopause Together: How Partners Can Help
  72. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  73. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  74. Perimenopause
  75. Perimenopause
  76. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
  77. Postmenopause
  78. Racial Disparities In Menopause
  79. Swan Study Finds African-American Women Experience Heavier Bleeding During Perimenopause
  80. Symptoms of Menopause
  81. Systematic Exclusion At Study Commencement Masks Earlier Menopause for Black Women In the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN)
  82. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  83. Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
  84. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  85. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  86. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  87. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  88. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  89. Video Series-2023: Racial and Ethnic Differences In the Menopause Experience
  90. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  91. Vitamins, Supplements, and Meds…Oh My!!
  92. Webinars: Previous – Management of Menopause in Patients with Obesity
  93. Webinars: Previous – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
  94. What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Menopause
  95. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  96. What Is Menopause? [+ Video]
  97. What To Expect In Each Stage of Menopause
  98. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  99. You Need To Know [+ Video: Bleeding After the Menopause – An Important Message You Need To Know]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Williams, M.; Richard-Davis, G., Williams, P. L.; Christensen, L.; Ward, E.; Schrager, S. A Review of African American Women’s Experiences In Menopause: Importance and Objective. November 2022. https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Abstract/2022/11000/A_review_of_African_American_women_s_experiences.16.aspx Accessed: 30 June 2023
  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 June 2023
  3. What Is Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause. Last Updated: 08 June 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 30 June 2023
  4. Williams, M.; Richard-Davis, G., Williams, P. L.; Christensen, L.; Ward, E.; Schrager, S. A Review of African American Women’s Experiences In Menopause: Discussion and Conclusion. November 2022. https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Abstract/2022/11000/A_review_of_African_American_women_s_experiences.16.aspx Accessed: 30 June 2023
  5. Williams, M.; Richard-Davis, G., Williams, P. L.; Christensen, L.; Ward, E.; Schrager, S. A Review of African American Women’s Experiences In Menopause: Importance and Objective. November 2022. https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Abstract/2022/11000/A_review_of_African_American_women_s_experiences.16.aspx Accessed: 30 June 2023
  6. Velez, A. Menopause Is Different for Women of Color. 10 March 2021. https://www.endocrineweb.com/menopause-different-women-color Accessed: 30 June 2023
  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 June 2023
  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 June 2023
  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 June 2023
  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 June 2023
  11. Velez, A. Menopause Is Different for Women of Color. 10 March 2021. https://www.endocrineweb.com/menopause-different-women-color Accessed: 30 June 2023
  12. What Is Menopause? When To See Your Doctor. Last Updated: 08 June 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 30 June 2023
  13. Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 17 December 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401 Accessed: 30 June 2023
Last Updated: 09 September 2023 – Last Revised: 30 June 2023

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