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People of Colour (POC) experienced worse menopause symptoms and transition than anyone else according to a study, and World Menopause Day on 18 October aims to tackle these difficulties.
World Menopause Day on 18 October aims to tackle the further struggles POC go through compared to their white peers, as well as spread awareness of menopause in general.
The same study, by Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), found POC enter perimenopause at earlier stages than their white peers and have longer transition periods.
Maureen Anderson, Head of the Black Menopause Collective, said while biological differences between races account for a lot of these differences, they are mostly caused by social inequalities.
Miss Anderson said: “Black Women’s Health is underfunded and there is a lack of interest by successive political parties and health services.”
“Black women are also 3.4 times more likely to die in childbirth than a white woman.”
We spoke to Zarouhi, a 48-year-old yoga teacher from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, who was diagnosed with perimenopause at 44.
She said: “My initial reaction was complete horror, and there is a stigma with women in the menopause, that you’re no longer a vibrant sexual being”.
“My periods were irregular, I had hot flushes, and night sweats, as well as mood swings and depression.”
While tackling her symptoms, Zarouhi said she found comfort speaking to other Women of Colour at home in Trinidad who had been through the same.
She said: “The NHS are overwhelmed, GPs don’t have the time to check on your mental health after a menopause diagnosis.
Speaking to other people going through the same thing as me really helps.”
There are lots of places in Sheffield and online to get support from other people going through similar experiences:
- SOAR: Menopause Cafe: first Monday every month. A safe space for anyone to meet and discuss menopause – what to expect, what you’re currently experiencing and connect with other people going through the same thing.
- Me No Pause Women’s Movement: an inclusive dance class for women of all ages and stages in Sharrowvale.
- Woodhouse Community Menopause Group: fortnightly sessions at the Woodhouse Community Hub in Stradbroke, often with guest speakers. Everyone is welcome.
- Private Black Women in Menopause Facebook Group: a safe online space for black women to openly discuss their experiences with the menopause.
- Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving Menopause: if you prefer a more passive approach to getting help, this guide explains how to go through menopause as a POC.