My Black Menopause
At Ketura, we highlight the way that black African women experience Menopause. Of course, every woman will transition into Menopause should they live long enough, but we all experience it differently. We have discovered that different ethnicities respond differently to the menopause experience.
As black African women our attitude and response to Menopause is influenced by our backgrounds and cultures. I come from a culture that did not talk about Menopause, and this created and fostered a culture of silence around the subject, perpetuating many myths and old wives’ tales. Because of this lack of knowledge, women are caught unawares when they reach this season and are pretty much uninformed about what causes it.
Research conducted in South Africa and Zimbabwe established that most women experience mood changes, sleep disturbance, decreased libido, hot flushes and night sweats. Weight gain was also a concern (Nelson 2008). They also found that most women in these countries, in the main, did not know what caused Menopause but were aware of this stage of life.
The research established that they attributed the stop of their menstrual cycle to an act of God, witchcraft, or did not know.Another research by the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) Found that black women:
• Reach Menopause 8.5 months earlier than their white counterparts
• Stay longer in perimenopause than their white counterparts.
• The era in which black women were born, as well as their education framed their experience
• Their experience is also based on their lifestyle, socioeconomic status, racism etc.
• Suffered more with hot flushes and joint pain compared to their white counterparts.
At Ketura, we highlight the way that black African women experience Menopause. Of course, every woman will transition into Menopause should they live long enough, but we all experience it differently. We have discovered that different ethnicities respond differently to the menopause experience.
As black African women our attitude and response to Menopause is influenced by our backgrounds and cultures. I come from a culture that did not talk about Menopause, and this created and fostered a culture of silence around the subject, perpetuating many myths and old wives’ tales. Because of this lack of knowledge, women are caught unawares when they reach this season and are pretty much uninformed about what causes it.
Research conducted in South Africa and Zimbabwe established that most women experience mood changes, sleep disturbance, decreased libido, hot flushes and night sweats. Weight gain was also a concern (Nelson 2008). They also found that most women in these countries, in the main, did not know what caused Menopause but were aware of this stage of life. The research established that they attributed the stop of their menstrual cycle to an act of God, witchcraft, or did not know.Another research by the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) Found that black women:
• Reach Menopause 8.5 months earlier than their white counterparts
• Stay longer in perimenopause than their white counterparts.
• The era in which black women were born, as well as their education framed their experience
• Their experience is also based on their lifestyle, socioeconomic status, racism etc.
• Suffered more with hot flushes and joint pain compared to their white counterparts.
Representation in Menopause Conversations
Representation and inclusivity play a vital role in discussions about menopause. We at Ketura Woman believe that it’s essential and that more needs to be done to recognise and amplify the voices, stories, and experiences of black African women in these conversations. This can make a significant impact on research, healthcare, and advocacy efforts making way to a holistic menopause healthcare system for all women.
Menopause is a transformative stage of life that affects millions of women worldwide. However, the experiences and challenges faced by black women during this phase can be distinct due to the intersectionality of race and gender. To truly address the needs of all women, it is crucial to embrace a more inclusive approach to menopause discussions.
Representation matters because it ensures that diverse perspectives are heard, valued, and incorporated into policies, guidelines, and healthcare practices. When black women’s voices are included, it enriches our understanding of menopause, enabling more accurate diagnoses, tailored treatments, and improved overall care.
To create a more inclusive dialogue, I call on researchers and healthcare professionals to actively seek out and include black women in studies, clinical trials, and research initiatives related to menopause. By doing so, we can bridge the knowledge gaps, challenge existing biases, and provide insights into the specific needs and experiences of black women in menopause.
Advocacy organisations, healthcare providers, and industry leaders also have a role to play. They should actively promote diversity and representation within their teams and decision-making processes. Moreover, it is important to create spaces that encourage open dialogue, where black women feel safe, validated, and supported to share their stories and experiences.
In this journey toward inclusivity, it’s crucial to highlight and support organisations that focus on the needs of black women in menopause. We at Ketura Woman advocate for the empowerment of black women through information sharing, guidance, support resources, and support networks during this life stage. We are keen to work collaboratively and partner with other organisations to make inclusivity a reality.
Together, we can break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and ensure that black women are represented in menopause conversations. Let’s foster an environment where their voices are not just heard but actively sought out and valued.
Join the conversation and help us create a more inclusive dialogue about menopause.
Together, we can drive positive change and improve the lives of all women in and beyond menopause. Together, we can make a difference.