Hot flushes are the bane of women’s lives and one of the early signs of the onset of menopause. But, though menopause experiences are similar, it can differ depending on the individual. This major physical transition period is when women run out of the functioning eggs she was born with and her ovaries’ reduction in producing oestrogen hormone, effectively ends her childbearing ability.
A study found 45% of women do not know the three phases of menopause. Research also suggests black women enter menopause earlier than their Caucasian counterparts with longer-lasting more intense symptoms. As a 50+ black woman, until I experienced very erratic menstruation and consulted my General Practitioner who confirmed I was undergoing menopause at age 45, I was wholly uninformed and had never given any thought to this milestone stage, much less its various stages of Perimenopause when the hot flush starts; Menopause, when after a final menstrual period for a year, it does not return leads to Post Menopause, lasting a lifetime.
Reading a recent New York Times article dating back to 2013 titled ‘What Is Menopause Like for Women of Colour’, a request was made for readers, whatever phase of transition they were at, to submit their stories and experience of menopause to shine a light on some of the disparities in symptoms and treatment – What were their hot flushes like? Did they find a doctor who took their concerns seriously? Whether they were prescribed any hormonal treatments? Did they experience any symptoms that they had not heard of before? This was is in the hope of understanding how or why race might play a role in menopause and to provide better gynaecological training and understanding to effectively treat women of colour.
Among black families, knowledge of menopause is scarce. A UK study undertaken in 2007 of 200 black women set out to establish their perceptions of menopause. Though a small sample, the conclusion was the women predominantly did not choose Hormone Replacement Therapy treatment (HRT). However, the group who took HRT felt they did not have a choice, nor were they offered sufficient information. One group felt their symptoms were not severe enough to warrant treatment. Another group were afraid of HRT and possible after effect of cancer.
Though proven to be effective, HRT’s adverse effects are osteoporosis (bone erosion leaching of 2-3% of calcium) and cancer. Overall, the women’s preferred option was to adopt a positive attitude; ignore symptoms; exercise; take vitamins e.g. black cohosh, evening primrose oil; wear light layers and rely on friends and the internet to educate themselves. An all-important factor born out of the study, was the fact menopause had never come up as a topic of discussion in their homes nor was it noticed due to their mother never complaining about it (can relate to that)
Some women find menopause particularly difficult, not only due to its multiple side effects of hot flushes, in some cases drenching night sweats, mood swings, brain fog, anxiety, depression and insomnia; plus the fact they are no longer fertile and menopause is viewed as the gateway to advance ageing. A positive is the end of mood swings; child-rearing responsibilities, fibroids shrink never to return and the opportunity to reclaim the self on own terms.
Menopause though no longer a taboo subject, still has ways to go regarding research, education and awareness. Though now openly talked about and on social media, medical sites should be a preference and medical professionals or menopause specialists be the main source of advice. Going forward, talking to daughters about our menopause story is important, as genetics plays its part.
The International Menopause Society (IMS) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation designated 18th October as World Menopause Awareness Month to raise knowledge of menopause.