"Black women are experiencing menopause at earlier ages, with more severe symptoms, and with less access to resources and support. It's time for us to prioritise the unique needs of diverse groups during this natural transition and ensure they receive the care and understanding they deserve."
Dr. Sharon Malone, an OB-GYN and women's health advocate,
discusses the Black experience with menopause.
On the evening of World Menopause Day, I was at London's Aldwych Theatre, immersed in the captivating performance of Tina, the Musical. My companion, a fellow therapist and a Black woman, had attended a groundbreaking event earlier in the day centred on menopause and Black women's experiences. The host was Dr Yansie Rolston, founder of You & Me_nopause.
Our conversation that evening highlighted the unique challenges and circumstances that minority and diverse groups face during menopause, underscoring the urgent need for broader dialogue and recognition of these distinct experiences.
Dr Yansie astutely highlights a critical issue: the scarcity of menopause research beyond the experiences of cisgender, heterosexual white women. This limited scope fails to capture the diverse experiences and challenges faced by individuals from various racial, sexual, and gender identities, reinforcing the urgent need for more inclusive and intersectional approaches to menopause research and understanding.
This week, we will explore the intersectionality of menopause, examining how race, power, socioeconomic status, class, gender identity, and sexuality shape individual experiences.
Menopause and Race
Research has shown that women of colour often experience more severe menopausal symptoms and have less access to healthcare resources, leading to a higher prevalence of untreated conditions. For example, African American women are more likely to report hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. Moreover, they face higher rates of chronic health conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, which can exacerbate menopause symptoms.
Here are a couple of examples of work being done in Australia, the UK, and the USA on menopause and race:
Australia
Dr Ayesha M. Salim, a Gynecologist and Obstetrician at James Cook University Hospital, is leading efforts to illuminate the unique menopause experiences of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Through community-based research, Dr. Salim aims to raise awareness and provide culturally sensitive resources to address these women's specific challenges.
UK
In the UK, Dr Karen De Vito, a General Practitioner and women's health advocate, is actively engaged in addressing the health disparities faced by Black and minority ethnic women during menopause. Dr. De Vito's work highlights the need for more culturally competent healthcare providers and better access to specialised menopause services to ensure more equitable care.
USA
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has acknowledged the disparities faced by women of colour in menopause care. They are committed to promoting culturally sensitive education, resources, and healthcare practices that address the unique needs of diverse women experiencing menopause. NAMS encourages healthcare professionals to be mindful of these differences and adapt their approach accordingly.
Menopause and Socioeconomic Status
Socioeconomic status plays a significant role in how women experience menopause. Women with lower incomes may not have access to quality healthcare or hormone therapy, leading to untreated symptoms that negatively impact their daily lives. For instance, a low-income woman working a physically demanding job may struggle to manage hot flashes and fatigue without proper medical support.
Here are examples from Australia, the UK, and the USA that address the intersection of menopause and socioeconomic status:
Australia
The Australian Menopause Centre acknowledges that socioeconomic factors can significantly affect women's access to menopause care. They are working towards improving access to affordable, high-quality healthcare services for women experiencing menopause, regardless of their economic status. Their efforts aim to reduce health disparities and improve the overall well-being of Australian women during this life transition.
UK
In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) is committed to providing accessible and affordable healthcare services for all women experiencing menopause. This includes menopause clinics and primary care centres that offer specialised care and support. By addressing socioeconomic barriers, the NHS aims to ensure that women from all backgrounds receive the medical attention they need.
USA
Planned Parenthood Federation of America recognises the importance of accessible and affordable reproductive healthcare, including menopause care. By offering low-cost services and resources, it strives to support women facing socioeconomic challenges and ensures they receive essential healthcare services and education during menopause.
Menopause and Sexuality
The Rainbow Health Victoria organisation actively supports the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ women who often face unique challenges during menopause due to a lack of inclusive healthcare and limited research on their specific experiences. Lesbian and bisexual women may struggle with sexual intimacy due to vaginal dryness or other menopause-related issues. At the same time, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals might face additional complexities in navigating hormone therapy and healthcare provider bias.
Here are specific organisations in Australia, the UK, and the USA working to address the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during menopause:
Australia
The Rainbow Health Victoria organisation actively supports the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ communities in Australia. It addresses various aspects of health, including reproductive and sexual health, mental health, and aging. Its work fosters inclusivity and understanding of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including those related to menopause.
UK
Stonewall, a leading LGBTQ+ rights organisation in the UK, raises awareness of the health disparities faced by queer individuals, including those related to menopause. Their work focuses on creating inclusive healthcare environments and advocating for more research on the experiences of LGBTQ+ people during menopause.
USA
The Mautner Project, based in Washington, D.C., aims to improve the health of LGBTQ+ individuals by providing culturally competent healthcare services. They offer a range of resources, education, and support for queer individuals experiencing menopause, addressing their specific needs and challenges.
We cannot deny that Menopause, a natural biological process that affects all women, the impact varies significantly across different demographics. As a woman of colour with a relatively manageable menopause journey, it's easy to assume that all black women will have a similar experience as mine and overlook the unique challenges faced by other diverse groups.
The intersectionality of menopause emphasises the importance of recognising and addressing diverse women's unique challenges. By raising awareness and creating inclusivity, we can work towards better healthcare access, improved support systems, and a more empathetic understanding of the complex experiences surrounding menopause. Together, we can empower all women to navigate this natural transition confidently and gracefully.
Comentários