Black women face major barriers to menopause support: new study

From UCL News

Black women in the UK are entering menopause severely under informed, under supported, and often dismissed by healthcare professionals, according to new research from the UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health

Published in the journal Post Reproductive Health, researchers say the study highlights urgent gaps in menopause education and calls for culturally competent care to address longstanding health inequalities.

The study – the first UK wide survey to focus specifically on the menopause experiences of Black women – gathered responses from 377 women aged 40 to 70, with women recruited via adverts on social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Researchers found that 88% of Black women received no menopause education at school, while over half (58%) felt completely uninformed before the age of 40 – with many participants revealing they felt frightened and unprepared when symptoms began.

The survey showed most women sought help only once symptoms were severe, often turning first to friends or social media rather than health services.

Lead author Professor Joyce Harper (UCL EGA Institute for Women’s Health) said: “Our findings show a stark picture: many Black women are navigating menopause with far too little information and far too little support.

“This lack of preparation and culturally competent care is leaving many women frightened, dismissed, and struggling alone.”

More than half (56%) of participants had spoken to a healthcare professional about menopause, but many described the experience as negative.

Learn how women described their experiences.

More Black health news.