Making Meaning of Menopause: Inequities in the Transition

Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life, but the transition into this stage varies widely among individuals. While some women navigate menopause with minimal symptoms, others may experience more significant challenges. These differences can be influenced by a range of underlying social and economic factors, which can impact the menopausal experience across different races and socioeconomic statuses. Here is what you need to know about menopausal health disparities:​​

1. There are differences in age at menopause. One study found that Black women can experience menopause 8.5 months earlier compared to White women.¹ Black women are more likely to smoke cigarettes and have procedures such as hysterectomies contributing to an earlier onset of menopause.
   
2. The burden of symptoms may vary. Black women on average experience hot flashes for a longer duration compared to white women which may be impacted by factors such as stress. One study found that Black women experienced these symptoms for 10 years compared to 6.5 years for White women.² 
   
3. Mental health status and treatment. Black women were found to have more depressive episodes compared to White women, which may be influenced by the fact that black women are less likely to be treated for their mental health conditions.³ 
   
4. Differences in sleep quality. Black women were more likely to have difficulties falling asleep and shorter duration of sleep. Sleep quality was associated with factors such as experiences of daily discrimination and financial stress.⁴

Trust Women’s Healthcare is committed to providing equitable care that acknowledges and addresses the diverse experiences of menopause across all backgrounds. We will create a personalized treatment plan specific to your menopausal symptoms.

1. 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). womens midlife health 8, 3 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40695-022-00073-y
2. Avis NE, Crawford SL, Greendale G, Bromberger JT, Everson-Rose SA, Gold EB, Hess R, Joffe H, Kravitz HM, Tepper PG, et al. Duration of menopausal vasomotor symptoms over the menopause transition. JAMA Intern Med. 2015;175(4):531–9.
3. Bromberger JT, Kravitz HM, Matthews K, Youk A, Brown C, Feng W. Predictors of first lifetime episodes of major depression in midlife women. Psychol Med. 2009;39(1):55–64.
4. Hall MH, Matthews KA, Kravitz HM, Gold EB, Buysse DJ, Bromberger JT, Owens JF, Sowers M. Race and financial strain are independent correlates of sleep in midlife women: the SWAN sleep study. Sleep. 2009;32(1):73–82.