Nov 30, 2025

Black Women’s Health Imperative Releases Landmark Survey on Menopause Experiences

What Happened

In November 2025, BWHI published the preliminary findings from the largest national survey ever on menopause and perimenopause in Black women. The survey gathered responses from more than 1,500 Black women across the U.S. (ages 30–65), capturing their lived experiences with symptoms, healthcare, and systemic challenges.

Key headline findings include:

52% of respondents said they did not know which medical recommendations to follow during menopause.
46% reported they lacked adequate information to manage their symptoms.
43% experienced discrimination or unfair treatment when seeking care for menopause-related issues.
42% said they struggled with depression during this stage of life.

BWHI’s press release describes the survey as a first-of-its-kind effort to highlight the unique experiences of Black women during menopause — a demographic historically underrepresented in menopause research.

Why It Matters

Menopause research and care have often been based on data from predominantly white populations. As a result, the symptoms, cultural context, and systemic barriers faced by Black women have largely remained invisible. This survey challenges that gap, offering data that can inform more equitable care, culturally responsive practices, and targeted support.

The findings suggest that many Black women are navigating menopause without clear guidance, reliable information, or supportive healthcare — even when they are insured and professionally active.

By shedding light on these disparities, the survey could steer future research, influence clinical guidelines, and push for health-care access and education tailored to Black women.

What This Means for Women in Perimenopause & Menopause

If you are a Black woman approaching or going through menopause, this survey validates that your experience — including concerns about symptom management, access to care, and emotional well-being — is real, shared, and deserves attention.

You may find comfort knowing that others have faced similar challenges: unclear medical advice, insufficient information, and even discrimination when seeking care.

Importantly:

You are not alone. These findings show systemic patterns — not just isolated incidents.
Your voice matters. Sharing your story with your provider can help push for better care that recognizes the intersection of race, gender, and menopause.
Awareness is power. Understanding that many Black women lack access or information could encourage you to seek out supportive providers, patient-advocacy communities, or culturally aware resources.

Access & Availability

The survey is publicly available via BWHI’s “Power in the Pause” initiative. Results (preliminary) can be downloaded from their website.
Because this is a national online survey, data reflects a broad cross-section of insured and insured-women, showing that lack of support isn’t limited to marginalized sub-groups.
Further data, including deeper analysis by age, region, and health status, may be released as BWHI finalizes its review.

Benefits & Risks (or: Strengths & Limitations)

Strengths:

Largest national survey of Black women’s menopause experiences — large sample size, broad age range.
Helps fill critical knowledge gaps regarding racial disparities, cultural context, and systemic barriers in menopause care.
Data can inform advocacy, policy, and culturally sensitive care models.

Limitations / What to Interpret Carefully:

Findings are preliminary. As a cross-sectional survey, results reflect self-report and perceptions (not clinical diagnoses).
The survey captures a snapshot in time, not longitudinal experience — so it can’t show how symptoms or care evolve.
Experiences may vary widely depending on socioeconomic status, region, health history — not all subgroups may be represented equally.

Next Steps / What to Watch For

Full data release with detailed breakdowns (by age, region, income, health history) — useful for researchers, clinicians, and advocates.
Increased attention — healthcare providers may begin integrating these findings to offer more culturally responsive menopause care.
Development of targeted resources: education, support groups, culturally attuned guidance, mental-health outreach.
More research — including longitudinal studies — to better understand how menopause impacts Black women over time.

What This Means for Your Midlife Health

This survey is more than data — it’s a wake-up call. If you’re a Black woman in midlife: your experiences, concerns, and needs are valid. Healthcare systems need to catch up to what millions have known for decades.

You deserve menopause care that recognizes your identity, cultural background, and unique history. This survey gives you — and the world — a stronger foundation to push for that care.