Menopause and Black Women: Why It's Time to Flip the Script

Menopause—just the word alone can trigger a range of emotions, from curiosity to dread to “Can I fast-forward through this part?” But for black women, the menopause journey often comes with some extra not-so-welcome surprises.
The SWAN (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation) report reveals a staggering truth: Black women endure menopause symptoms for an average of 10.1 years, while white women experience them for around 6.5 years.

Yes, you read that right—10.1 years. That’s nearly four extra years of night sweats, random hot flashes, mood swings, and the occasional “Is it hot in here or is it just me… again?” moments. It’s like menopause is determined to stick around long enough to feel like an unwelcome roommate. And when it comes to fairness, menopause didn’t quite get the memo for black women, making their experience longer and often more intense.

But that’s not all. Menopause likes to bring a few of its “friends” along for the ride—like bladder weakness. Yep, just when you thought you had enough on your plate, in comes bladder control issues to add to the fun. Forget sneezing or laughing without crossing your legs—you’ll find yourself evaluating every move like it’s a potential hazard. It's like your bladder and gravity teamed up for a surprise prank, and guess what?

They’re winning.

The Reality: More Than Just Hot Flashes (and Unpredictable Bladders):

So, what exactly are we dealing with here?
Menopause isn’t just about getting older and rolling with the changes—it’s about dodging a series of physical and emotional hurdles. For black women, those hurdles are often higher, and bladder weakness is just one of them.

The SWAN report highlights that black women not only face longer menopause symptoms but also tend to have more severe symptoms, particularly when it comes to vasomotor symptoms—those lovely hot flashes and night sweats that seem to have no regard for your daily plans.

But here’s the kicker...

Black women are also more likely to experience early menopause compared to their white counterparts. That means the fun starts sooner—and lasts longer. Early menopause is often linked to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, which disproportionately affect black women And let’s not forget our little friend, bladder weakness. Whether it’s a hearty laugh, a cough, or a jog to the car, it’s a constant game of “Will I or won’t I?” when it comes to bladder control. Add that to your daily to-do list, and you've got yourself a menopause experience that requires more strategy than a game of chess. Why Haven’t We Talked About This?

That’s the million-dollar question. For years, menopause has been the elephant in the room that no one wanted to talk about—especially when it comes to the specific challenges Black women face. And when the conversation finally does happen, it tends to paint menopause with a broad brush, assuming all women have the same experience. Spoiler alert: they don’t.

The truth is, the unique challenges Black women face during menopause, like bladder weakness and longer-lasting symptoms, are often left out of the conversation. And it's not just about inconvenience—there are real health implications here. When these symptoms are ignored, it leaves Black women to suffer in silence, without the proper care or solutions they need to manage this stage of life.

Andrea, Donna & Myself are Shaking Things Up...

That’s where Andrea, Donna and Myself come in. We have had enough of these issues being swept under the rug. In fact, we are flipping that rug over, shaking things up, and making sure everyone’s paying attention. Menopause for Black women deserves more than a passing glance—it deserves real conversation, real understanding, and let’s be honest, some real talk about bladder control and more!

We are on a mission to bring these unique challenges to the forefront:

and make sure Black women get the support they deserve. Whether it's bladder control tips (cross those legs, ladies) or how to manage those never-ending hot flashes, we have got you covered.

We are also bringing together experts to offer guidance, workshops, and events that focus on the real-life issues Black women face during menopause. From lifestyle strategies to full-on bladder-strengthening workouts (because yes, that’s a thing), we are committed to making menopause something you can not just survive, but laugh your way through—especially when it comes to those unexpected bladder “surprises.”

The Importance of Knowledge (and Having a Backup Pair of Pants)

One of the biggest tools in the fight against menopause? Knowledge. Empowering yourself with information about what to expect during this stage of life can make all the difference. Whether it’s bladder weakness, hot flashes, Sleepless nights or mood swings, being prepared means you can tackle menopause like a pro (and carry an extra pair of pants in your bag, just in case).

Our mission is all about arming women with the knowledge they need to manage menopause, and that includes understanding the differences in how Black women experience this stage of life.

Menopause doesn’t have to be a mystery—by learning about the symptoms and knowing how to handle them, women can regain control and live their best lives, bladder in check!

What’s Next?

So, what’s the big takeaway here? Menopause affects every woman differently, but for Black women, it’s often a longer and more intense journey. And yes, bladder weakness might join the party, but with the right tools and a good sense of humor, you can handle anything menopause throws your way.

We are going to flip the script, bringing these challenges into the spotlight where they belong. From lifestyle strategies to pelvic floor exercises (trust us, they help!), they’re proving that with a little knowledge and a lot of laughter, you can get through anything—even 10.1 years of hot flashes and bladder surprises.

So, don’t let menopause catch you off guard. With Andrea Donna & Marva leading the charge, menopause doesn’t stand a chance!