Menopause may finally be having its moment in mainstream media, but the conversation is still catching up when it comes to Black women.
A groundbreaking new survey from the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) aims to change that. The first-of-its-kind national study offers an in-depth look at how Black women ages 30 to 65 are navigating perimenopause and menopause — often with limited support, unclear medical guidance, and systemic barriers to care.
More than 1,500 Black women participated in the largest online survey of its kind, sharing deeply personal experiences that confirm what many have long known: the midlife journey can be isolating and complex, shaped by cultural, medical, and emotional realities that mainstream narratives rarely reflect.
According to the survey, 52% of respondents said they didn’t know which medical recommendations to follow, 46% lacked adequate information to manage their symptoms, 43% reported discrimination or unfair treatment when seeking healthcare, and 42% struggled with depression during this stage of life.
“This survey lays bare what too many of us already know,” said Joy D. Calloway, president and CEO of BWHI. “Black women are navigating menopause with too little support, too few resources, and not enough trusted information. At BWHI, we are committed to changing that reality.”
The findings also highlight what many Black women say they want: culturally grounded education beginning in their 30s, affordable treatment options, access to trusted providers, and safe spaces to share experiences without stigma or shame.
“The women who participated in this study represent an educated, insured, and professionally active group — yet the data reveal profound gaps in care and understanding,” said Dr. Ifeoma C. Udoh, executive vice president of policy and research at BWHI. “We need deeper, ongoing research to understand the biological, cultural, and systemic factors shaping Black women’s experiences of menopause.”
The survey is part of BWHI’s national Power in the Pause initiative, which combines research, advocacy, and community programs to reduce stigma, improve care, and empower women to take charge of their health during midlife.
For more than 40 years, BWHI has been the only national nonprofit solely dedicated to the health of Black women and girls. This latest effort continues that legacy — centering Black voices, challenging medical inequities, and pushing for a future where every woman can thrive through every stage of life.