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Menopause in Ethnic Minority Women

Dr Shashi Prasad

Updated: Jan 31



Menopause and Ethnic Minority Women: Why Inclusivity Matters

Menopause is a transformative phase in every woman's life, yet its impact can differ greatly  depending on factors such as culture, ethnicity, and access to healthcare. 

For women from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK, these differences can deeply influence how menopause is experienced and managed. Understanding and addressing these variations is crucial for creating inclusive and supportive menopause care. In this blog, we’ll explore why it's so important to ensure that women from all ethnic backgrounds have access to the care, resources, and support they need during this life transition.


The diversity of menopause experiences

Menopause is not a "one-size-fits-all" experience. While most women will encounter common symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings; cultural, biological, and social factors play a huge role in shaping these experiences. In the UK, where 13.8% of the population is from an ethnic minority background, there is surprisingly little research on how menopause affects these women. Most of the available data comes from studies abroad, leaving a significant gap in knowledge and care.


Understanding these cultural and ethnic differences is key to providing personalised care that improves both symptom management and overall quality of life for all women.


Barriers to seeking help

There are several barriers that ethnic minority women face when it comes to addressing menopause:

  • Taboo and Stigma: In many cultures, menopause is a taboo topic that people avoid talking about. It is often seen as a loss of fertility or femininity, making it difficult for women to discuss openly.

  • Cultural Expectations: In some communities, women are expected to endure in silence, and are discouraged from seeking help or support even when they need it.

  • Health Literacy: Many women don’t know much about menopause and available treatments like Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or they may be misinformed. This can make them hesitant to seek medical advice or care.

  • Lack of Representation: Menopause resources often overlook the diverse ethnic backgrounds of women, making it difficult for ethnic minority women to relate to the available information and care.


How ethnicity affects menopause

Menopause experiences vary across ethnic groups, with differences in symptoms and severity. For example:

  • African and Caribbean Women: Menopause tends to occur slightly earlier (around 49.6 years), with more severe hot flashes, night sweats, and mental health issues. 

  • South-East Asian Women: These women may not experience severe hot flashes but often struggle with forgetfulness, joint pain, and low libido.

  • South Asian Women: Menopause occurs earlier (around 46 -47 years), but cultural factors often prevent seeking help. They also face higher risks of cardiovascular diseases, and discussions on sexual and mental health are often avoided.

  • Hispanic women: Often experience hot flashes and night sweats more than Asian women but less than Black women. They are also more likely to have emotional challenges like feeling anxious or depressed and may have trouble sleeping


Self-help behaviours and cultural practices

In many Eastern and African cultures, women often turn to natural remedies for menopause and rely on family and community support. For example,  in India, Ayurveda which focuses on diet, yoga, and herbs is very popular. Chinese women use Traditional Chinese Medicine, with herbal remedies and acupuncture, while in Japan, Kampo Therapy is common. African communities often use herbal treatments and diet changes.


Metabolic Syndrome and Heart Health

With menopause transition, as women start to lose their estrogen, their risk of metabolic syndrome which includes weight gain, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol increases. This in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke. Black and South Asian women are at much higher risk compared to Caucasian women, highlighting the need for better education and support around perimenopause in these women.


What can be done to improve inclusivity?

To make menopause care more inclusive and accessible to ethnic minority women, we need to:

  1. Raise Awareness: Encourage open conversations to reduce stigma and normalize menopause. Offer menopause resources that speak to the different cultural nuances. This includes providing materials in multiple languages and featuring ethnic minority women in educational videos, posters, and leaflets.

  2. Create a Safe, Non-Judgmental Space: Community support groups can provide a safe  space where women can open up about their symptoms without feeling judged, and get the peer support they need. 

  3. Offer Diverse Treatment Options: Understand that HRT may not be the first choice in certain communities. Offer  personalized care that respects cultural practices while offering effective medical options.

  4. Training Healthcare Professionals: Healthcare providers need better training in understanding different cultures, recognizing how menopause symptoms vary across ethnic groups, and using interpreter services. This will help ensure all women get the care they need.

  5. Support Research: Invest in studies that explore the unique experiences of women from different ethnic and cultural groups.


Why does this matter?

Menopause affects all women, but cultural and ethnic factors deeply influence the experience. Unfortunately, ethnic minority women often lack the necessary support, leading to a greater burden of symptoms and lower quality of life. It’s time for change.


We must ensure that women of all backgrounds have access to the care they need during menopause. It’s about acknowledging cultural differences and providing support that meets those needs.


Together, we can build a more inclusive and informed approach to menopause care that ensures every woman feels seen, heard, and supported throughout this natural life stage!


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