Written by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team - October 2026.
Everyone has their own unique journey with peri/menopause (perimenopause and menopause). On top of this, ethnicity and racial disparities can influence how women of color experience this life transition. (We'll use "women" to refer to sex at birth.)
Let's learn more about this and talk about getting care to help you feel your best.
Advocating for your peri/menopause needs
Many women of color have had experiences feeling misunderstood or dismissed in a healthcare setting.
You deserve to be heard, respected, and treated as an equal partner in your care. Here are tips to help you advocate for yourself.
- You never need to suffer. Even if you've been dealing with symptoms for a while, it's always OK to bring them up with your healthcare provider. You don't have to minimize what you feel - describe your symptoms and how they affect you.
- Be open and clear. Some peri/menopause concerns may feel sensitive and private. It's your provider's job to help. Be upfront and specific about what you're feeling and use words that are comfortable to you.
- Come prepared. Write a list of questions, symptoms, and concerns ahead of time. When you arrive, let your provider know that you have a list and go through your topics together.
- Take notes and know what comes next. Take notes during your visit or ask for a summary afterwards. Your provider should be clear about your next steps by the time you leave.
- Ask questions anytime. If something wasn't explained clearly, it's OK to ask your provider to describe it again. You may find it helpful to repeat what you heard in your own words to be sure you've got it.
For help outside of your regular OB/GYN or primary care provider:
- Consider seeing a specialist. If your provider isn't familiar with menopause or you don't feel heard, seek out a menopause specialist. They have training and expertise to help you feel your best. Progyny's provider search can help you get started.
- Reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate. We can help you find a menopause specialist who may be a great fit for you. We can also provide 1:1 coaching and education to help you get ready for your visit.
Disparities in the peri/menopause experience
Of course, everyone's body is unique. And lifestyle and medical factors affect how we experience peri/menopause.
Researchers have also identified how race and ethnicity may play a role. For example, the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) has revealed some ways symptoms can vary.
Black women may be more likely than white women to:
- Reach menopause earlier (officially, menopause is the point when you haven't had a period for 12 months)
- Have more severe hot flashes and night sweats
- Start hot flashes sooner and have them longer
- Have new and repeat depression, while being less likely to receive treatment
Other research has suggested that:
- Hispanic women may be more likely than white women to reach menopause earlier and have more severe skin and hair changes.
- Multiracial women may be more likely than white women to have more severe skin and hair changes.
- Indigenous and First Nations women may be more likely than white women to have more severe pain with sex.
To be clear, all women may have any of these symptoms, other symptoms, or different combinations of symptoms. The key is to feel confident about seeking care if symptoms affect your quality of life. And awareness can help you advocate for the care you need, when you need it.
What about access to care?
Unfortunately, racial disparities affect the experience of receiving care and treatment. For instance, Black women are more likely to report that they have been disrespected or treated unfairly by a provider, compared with other groups of women and men.
Women of color may also be less likely to be treated for their symptoms, despite the fact that hot flashes tend to be more severe for Black women. There are many possible reasons for under-treatment with menopause hormone therapy, including less access to care, a lack of culturally sensitive education, and a history of distrust with the medical system.
Treatment guidelines are based on your symptoms, health and family history, lifestyle, and goals. Not your ethnicity. You have the right to learn about your options and decide on quality care with your provider.
Menopause-related health risks
It's important to know about other health risks from menopause. While menopause increases risks for all women, the risks are greater for women of color.
Heart disease
Estrogen has protective effects on heart health. When estrogen declines with menopause, the risk of heart disease goes up. Cholesterol and blood pressure tend to go up during midlife, as well.
Black women are more likely to be at risk for heart disease when they start perimenopause, and the heart disease risk from menopause is greater. Early and more severe symptoms are linked to greater risk of heart disease.
Black women also have a higher risk for high blood pressure at an earlier age and are more likely to have high blood pressure that isn't well-controlled.
Diabetes and metabolic syndrome
Menopause weight gain raises the risk of diabetes. The risk is higher in Black women and Hispanic women than white women.
Bone health
The risk of bone fractures and weak bones (osteoporosis) goes up after menopause. White women have a higher risk for fracture and low bone density than Black women. But Black women are less likely to receive bone density screening, and have worse outcomes after a hip fracture.
We're here for you
There are many treatments and approaches to support your health and well-being during peri/menopause. Progyny is here to help you find care, advocate for your needs, and get the support you need.
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Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.
