THE EXPERIENCE OF BLACK WOMEN IN MENOPAUSE

Black women experience menopause differently when compared to other races. A decade-long research carried out by the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation, SWAN, has shown that Black and Latinx women enter menopause earlier and have longer-lasting, more intense symptoms. While the average age for menopause is 51, SWAN findings reveal that some Black women reach menopause at 49, two years earlier than White women do. In addition to this, data obtained from the research shows that Black women spend longer time in the menopause transition.

They endure hot flashes, one of the most common discomfort of the transition, for 10 years, while Latinas experience it for 8.9 years and White woman bear it for 6.5 years. Caribbean and African Health Network, CAHN, an NGO that promotes the health and wellbeing of Blacks in the UK, knows how importance this phase of life is for black women, thus have organized an event themed ‘ Empowering Black Women In Menopause’ to commemorate the International Women’s Day celebration 2023. I intend to tell the menopause story of Black women through lived experiences from this event. I hope that this story will empower women in menopause by the way of speaking about their experience and encouraging them to seek medical help with the conviction that support is available for them.

PRODUCED & DIRECTED BY: JADESOLA OMOTADE

AN IDEASCOPE MEDIA PRODUCTION 2023 ©