SEVEN STEPS TO MENOPAUSE FOR BLACK WOMEN
1. KNOW YOUR BODY, IT IS NOT "JUST ANXIETY" Brain fog, night sweats, poor concentration, mood changes, these are menopause symptoms, not weakness. Learn the signs early. Your body is speaking. Listen to it before the system silences you.
2. EDUCATE YOURSELF BEFORE CRISIS HITS Don't wait until symptoms are unbearable. Seek out menopause education in your 30s, not your 50s. Knowledge is your first line of defence.
3. WALK INTO THAT APPOINTMENT PREPARED Write your symptoms down. Know your options, including HRT. Go in informed, because too many of us have been sent away with antidepressants we didn't need.
4. REFUSE TO BE DISMISSED If a doctor tells you you're "too young" or "It is probably stress", push back. Ask for a referral. Seek a second opinion. You know your body. Demand to be heard.
5. FIND YOUR PEOPLE Connect with other Black women who get it. Peer support is powerful, social media, local groups, our network. You should never have to navigate this alone.
6. BREAK THE SILENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY Our mothers did not talk about it. We will. Start the conversation, with your sisters, daughters, friends. Normalising menopause in our communities is a radical act.
7. SUPPORT EACH OTHER THROUGH IT Show up for the women around you. Share resources, share experiences, share what worked. Community care is self-care.
Source: @urbanteacher
