The Truth: Black Women Deserve More.
Did you know that many black women experience perimenopause earlier? As early as age 35? Suffering the symptoms for longer and often do not get the necessary medical assistance they need?
The SWAN study (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation 1994) followed women of different ethnic backgrounds in the US for 25 years and found that black women experienced Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) more severely, more frequently and for longer than their white
counterparts.
It also found that black women had a greater cardiovascular risk, more depression, more psychological symptoms, more metabolic syndrome, diabetes and poorer sleep.
I personally did not have a great experience with perimenopause and conventional medicine. I was dismissed by doctors and almost ended up in a psychiatric ward.
What is evidently clear; each woman is different and therefore the solutions should be tailored to each one, on a case by case basis. I’ve developed my own menopause toolkit and it’s evolving, as I continue on this journey.
I’ve spoken to countless women who have shared how the debilitating symptoms of perimenopause have led them to quit their jobs, businesses and even relationships.
As the feelings of not being able to cope and to perform at their best has increased and completely overwhelmed them.
One black woman, shared how she almost died following her doctor’s ‘blanket approach’ treatment for her perimenopause symptoms.
It’s great to see the conversation about menopause being had.
Some work places are talking more about menopause and implementing policies and solutions to support the women in their employment.
But black women in menopause need more.
The impact felt should be addressed in every work and market place.
There should be an acknowledgement by conventional medicine to the nuances in symptoms for black women and a more tailored approach to healthcare to find better solutions.
Let’s talk about it….
What’s your take on it, share in comments? What’s your experience of Perimenopause? What solutions have your work place provided for you? What experience have you had with your GP? What medical interventions have helped you?
More videos on menopause and it’s affect on black women here: https://youtube.com/@therelentlessboss?feature=shared