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.
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.
For help outside of your regular OB/GYN or primary care provider:
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:
Other research has suggested that:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Menopause weight gain raises the risk of diabetes. The risk is higher in Black women and Hispanic women than white women.
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.
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.
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.