Black Women's Experiences with (Peri)Menopause

Understanding Menopause and Health Inequities: A Q&A with Leah Lewin ‪@theperinatalspecialist‬ and Dr. Tonye Wokoma, Menopause Specialist.
In this insightful 1-hour Q&A, Leah and Dr. Wokoma explore the unique challenges faced by Black women during perimenopause, menopause, and the broader health inequities they encounter throughout their lives. Drawing from recent studies, such as the Health Indonesian study, they highlight the alarming statistic that white women are five times more likely to use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) than Black women-a disparity that speaks to the deeper, systemic inequalities in access to care and treatment.
The conversation dives deep into:
Health Disparities: Dr. Wokoma examines the critical gaps in menopause care for Black women, touching on how the lack of research, resources, and culturally sensitive care contribute to poorer health outcomes. She discusses the broader implications of these disparities on overall life expectancy and well-being.
The Role of Research: Both speakers stress the urgent need for more research on Black women’s health and the importance of addressing the lack of data that informs healthcare policies and practices. They call for studies that explore the specific healthcare needs and barriers Black women face at various stages of their life course.
Access to Culturally Competent Care: The discussion focuses on the necessity of providing healthcare that is tailored to the cultural and individual needs of Black women. The speakers share personal experiences and insights into how healthcare providers can better serve this demographic through understanding, respect, and inclusivity.
The Impact of Social Determinants: From socioeconomic status to geographic location, the conversation explores how external factors influence Black women’s access to healthcare. Dr. Wokoma and Leah Lewin highlight the importance of creating healthcare systems that accommodate these differences and ensure equitable access for all.
Empowering Women to Advocate for Themselves: A key theme of the discussion is the importance of self-advocacy. Both speakers emphasize how Black women can be empowered to take control of their health and make informed decisions, particularly in the context of menopause care.
This session is not just a conversation about healthcare-it is a call to action for better research, improved access to care, and a more inclusive approach to women’s health.
Whether you are a healthcare provider, advocate, or someone experiencing perimenopause, this discussion offers invaluable insights into the intersection of race, gender, and healthcare and how we can all contribute to making healthcare more equitable for every woman.
Stay tuned for more content from White Ribbon Alliance UK as we continue our work to transform sexual and reproductive healthcare, promote gender equity, and eradicate gender-based violence.