The Unique Challenges of Menopause for Black Women

Menopause affects women of all races and ethnicities, but there may be differences in the symptoms and experiences of black women compared to women of other races. Cultural stigmas, lack of representation in medical research, and systemic inequalities can greatly impact black women’s experience during this transitional period.

What are ways that menopause can be different for black women?

The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) is a research study that has been examining the physical and psychological health of women during the menopause transition across ethnicities for over two decades.

A paper published in Women’s Midlife Health conducted a review of the differences in the menopause experience between black and white women that participated in SWAN. According to the study, Black women had a different experience with vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats on several factors:

• Incidence: Black women were 50% more likely than white women to have hot flashes or night sweats at all, and were three times more likely to report vasomotor symptoms through the entire menopause transition.

• Frequency: Black women were 60% more likely to experience vasomotor symptoms frequently (more than 6 days a week) than white women.

• Severity: Black women typically experienced more bothersome symptoms.

• Duration: Black women deal with vasomotor symptoms for 10 years compared to 6.5 years for white women.

It's important to note that these statistics are based on a large population study and may not reflect the individual experience of every black woman. Additionally, menopause can be influenced by various factors such as overall health, lifestyle, and family history.

How can Modern Age help?

At Modern Age, we believe black women deserve to have a safe and inclusive space to openly discuss and navigate menopause. It's important to talk to a healthcare provider to get a personalized understanding of menopause and how it may affect you.

At typical doctor’s appointments, there often isn’t enough time for you and your doctor to get a deep understanding of the unique challenges you face in navigating menopause and a general practitioner is often inexperienced in this area.

That’s where Modern Age changes the game with our Aging Wellness Assessment:

• First, we’ll conduct a suite of diagnostic tests to measure everything from biomarkers in your blood, cognitive function, bone density, skin quality and  lifestyle factors.

• After your results are back, you will have a 1 hour in-depth meeting with one of our Modern Age expert clinicians, who will create a personalized plan for you, based on your test results, your medical history, and your goals.

• Going forward, you can depend on Modern Age to offer support with our suite of treatment options that can help you manage your unique symptoms of menopause and overall aging.

Get started with an Aging Wellness Assessment today, or explore our many treatment options for hormonal health, sexual wellness, and more.