The biology is the same, but most studies have not included marginalised populations such as black people – the last study in the UK was 2007. The sample consisted of 22 women aged 45 to 61 from a range of minority ethnic groups in Northampton. Only four identified as Black British.
There are other factors as well as the biological perspective. The assumption is we are all the same, just as many people believe that menopause is the same for all those who go through it.
There is a significant imbalance in the research when it comes to ethnicity in relation to menopause in the UK. We would like to acknowledge those who have written and continually write academically about perimenopause and menopause. As well as those who speak openly about their own experiences and those who have written books.
Above all though, know that you are not alone, and that there are others out there who will know and will be able to empathise with exactly what you are experiencing.
Here are some websites/ links to information about menopause. We do not have control over the nature, content, and availability of these sites. The inclusion of any websites/ links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
This is the British Menopause Society site where you can find your nearest BMS-recognised menopause specialist (NHS or Private). You only need to enter your postcode.
https://thebms.org.uk/find-a-menopause-specialist/
NEW BMS Tool for Clinicians – Menopause in ethnic minority women
This site provides material and advice on the menopause which is evidence based and you can download various PDFs.
https://www.themenopausecharity.org/
This resource is known as ‘The Greene Scale’ and provides a brief measure of menopause symptoms. It can be used to assess changes in different symptoms, before and after menopause treatment.
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/greenescore.php
This site provides up to date, unbiased and evidence-based information to help you navigate the menopause.
https://www.menopausedoctor.co.uk/
NHS Choice provides a general overview of menopause, symptoms and treatments.
NICE guidelines provide advice on the care and support that should be offered to people who use health and care services.
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/resources/menopause-pdf-718895758021
Daisy Network was created to provide support to people, along with their families and partners, who have been diagnosed with early menopause (Premature Ovarian Insufficiency POI).
These sites provide advice, support, and guidance about surgical menopause.
www.thesurmenoconnection.com and www.surgicalmenopause.co.uk
The Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) is pleased to launch guidance on menopause in the workplace.
BS 30416: Menstrual and menopausal health matters in your workplace For the organizations that have started to recognize this deficit, BS 30416:2023 is designed to help them identify practical workplace adjustments and activities that reflect good practice for supporting employees who menstruate and experience peri/ menopause symptoms.
*This list is not extensive
Here are a few websites/ links to information about menopause for black women and women of colour. We do not have control over the nature, content, and availability of these sites. The inclusion of any websites/ links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. We will be updating the list and if you have any recommendations then please email info@blackwomeninmenopause.co.uk
NEW BMS Tool for Clinicians – Menopause in ethnic minority women
Menopause Groups/ Sites
Private Facebook Group Black Women in Menopause group to share and support each other through perimenopause and menopause.
Black Women in Menopause links to events and information.
Early Menopause a safe space to share information, experiences & support so that you or your loved ones never have to feel alone, abandoned or scared.
Premature Ovarian Failure a link to Anita Elawure who is the founder of Blossom living with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI).
Jolinda Johnson is changing the narrative around perimenopause and giving attention to the voices that are typically left out of the conversation i.e. LGBTQIA. Jolinda is based in Barcelona, Spain.
Menopause Books with a Black narrative
Food for Menopause : Recipes and nutritional advice for perimenopause, menopause and beyond. Food for Menopause by Dr Linia Patel is packed with 80 super tasty, appealing recipes – perfect for busy lives.
Black and Menopausal - Intimate Stories of Navigating the Change. This deeply empowering and personal collection of stories brings together a wide range of Black experiences on the menopause journey.
Menopause Podcasts
There are not many black women in menopause podcasts to choose from. Here are a few that may pique your interest.
Black Menopause and Beyond a series of podcasts through the eyes of Anita Powell a 47-year-old black female born in the UK and suffering the symptoms of perimenopause.
Menopause Whilst Black series of podcasts about Black British women’s experiences of menopause, hosted by Karen Arthur.
Black Girls’ Guide to Surviving Menopause US podcast based presented by Omisade Burney-Scott sharing stories and realities of Black women and femmes over 50.
Black Menopause Specialist
Dr Tonye Wokoma is a British Menopause Society (BMS) recognised Menopause Specialist. Dr Tonye educates and empowers women to take control of their health care and lifestyle choices.