What Is ‘Weathering’ & How Does It Affect Black Women’s Menopause?
Weathering and menopause impact Black women’s health in alarming ways. Learn how chronic stress, systemic inequities, and hormonal imbalances contribute to severe menopause symptoms and what steps can help.
Menopause affects Black women differently due to various factors, not just genetics. One significant reason is weathering—a term coined by Dr. Arline T. Geronimus to describe the cumulative effects of chronic stress caused by racism, discrimination, and socioeconomic inequities. This ongoing stress significantly contributes to disparities in menopause health and accelerates aging, increasing vulnerability to chronic illnesses.
The Impact of Weathering on Black Women’s Menopause Health
📌 A JAMA Network study found that Black women experience hot flashes and night sweats for 10+ years, compared to 6.5 years for white women.
📌 The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) revealed that menopause symptoms in Black and Latina women last longer and are more severe than in white women.
📌 Chronic stress from racism and social inequities leads to hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and cardiovascular risks, all of which exacerbate menopause symptoms.
Weathering: The Silent Toll on Black Women’s Menopause Health
At MenoThrive Wellness Inc., we understand that severe menopause symptoms don’t appear overnight. Decades of chronic stress, systemic inequities, and the constant pressure to “push through” take a toll on our bodies. Researchers define this as weathering—the gradual deterioration of health due to chronic exposure to stress, bias, and social burdens.
This process results in premature aging, earlier menopause onset, and increased health risks, making effective menopause care a necessity, not a luxury. Additionally, it increases vulnerability to conditions like obesity, insulin resistance, and autoimmune disorders, all of which intersect with menopause challenges.
7 Shocking Ways Weathering Impacts Menopause in Black Women
1. Severe Menopause Symptoms Due to Weathering
Black women tend to experience menopause earlier and with more intense symptoms compared to white women. They often face severe hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and heightened anxiety, which can become daily challenges lasting over a decade. Night sweats can disrupt their sleep, leading to chronic fatigue and increased stress, which in turn can exacerbate menopause symptoms.
2. Chronic Stress Leads to Chronic Illness
Constantly struggling to be heard and treated fairly affects our cells, hormones, and ability to heal. Black women are at a higher risk for hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues, often facing these challenges earlier in life than expected. If stress remains unaddressed, it can lead to systemic inflammation, which increases the likelihood of developing conditions such as arthritis and metabolic syndrome.
3. Cortisol, Hormonal Imbalances & Menopause
Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, disrupting hormone regulation and worsening menopause symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, and night sweats. Prolonged elevated cortisol can also lead to weight gain, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. The hormonal imbalance caused by stress and menopause may also contribute to worsened mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
4. Cardiovascular Health & Menopause Risks
Black women are already at higher risk for heart disease, and menopause further raises this risk. Estrogen helps protect the heart, but its decline during menopause increases hypertension, stroke, and heart attack risks. Coupled with high-stress levels, heart health deteriorates even further, requiring proactive lifestyle changes such as diet modifications and regular exercise.
5. Fibroids & Menopause in Black Women
Black women are three times more likely to develop fibroids, which often intensify menopause symptoms. Many endure severe pain, heavy bleeding, and hormonal imbalances that impact daily life. Fibroids can also exacerbate menstrual irregularities and contribute to anemia, further worsening overall well-being during perimenopause and menopause.
6. Medical Bias & Lack of Support for Black Women in Menopause
Research indicates that the menopause symptoms experienced by Black women are often overlooked compared to those of white women. This dismissal can result in misdiagnoses and delays in treatment. Systemic biases within the healthcare system mean that Black women frequently receive inadequate care for menopause, which exacerbates their symptoms and adds to their mental stress.
7. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Risks in Menopause
Despite menopause increasing bone density loss, Black women are less likely to receive osteoporosis screenings, heightening the risk of fractures and bone issues. Insufficient vitamin D levels, common in Black women, further increase the risk of osteoporosis. Ensuring proper nutrition and resistance training is key to reducing these risks.
MenoThrive Wellness Inc.: Empowering Black & Diverse Women Through Menopause
At MenoThrive Wellness Inc., we are dedicated to transforming menopause care for Black women through:
- Culturally competent menopause education
- Advocacy for equitable Black women’s healthcare
- Community-driven menopause support
- A blend of holistic & medical solutions tailored for YOU
How Black Women Can Improve Menopause Outcomes
1. Find Healthcare That Understands Black Women’s Menopause Needs
🔹 Seek menopause specialists who focus on Black women’s health.
🔹 Request hormone screenings for estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels.
🔹 Explore all treatment options—including lifestyle changes, supplements, and HRT.
2. Protect Your Heart Health During Menopause
🔹 Monitor blood pressure & cholesterol regularly.
🔹 Eat heart-healthy foods like leafy greens, beets, and Omega-3s.
🔹 Stay active—walking, yoga, and strength training improve circulation.
🔹 Reduce processed foods & sugar to lower inflammation.
3. Manage Stress & Lower Cortisol in Menopause
🔹 Practice mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing.
🔹 Engage in yoga, walking, or movement therapy.
🔹 Prioritize quality sleep (7-9 hours per night).
🔹 Establish a support network of family, friends, or professionals.
4. Strengthen Bones & Prevent Osteoporosis in Menopause
🔹 Eat calcium-rich foods (leafy greens, almonds, dairy).
🔹 Take Vitamin D to aid calcium absorption.
🔹 Do weight-bearing exercises like strength training.
5. Build a Support System for Menopause
🔹 Join menopause support groups—online & in-person.
🔹 Connect with other Black women on the same journey.
🔹 Share your story—breaking the stigma starts with us.
External Resources on Menopause & Weathering
- National Institute on Aging: www.nia.nih.gov
- Black Women’s Health Imperative: www.bwhi.org
- The North American Menopause Society: www.menopause.org
✨ Menopause isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning! ✨
Take Control of Your Menopause Journey!
MenoThrive Wellness Inc. Empowers Black women through menopause education, advocacy, and community support. You don’t have to go through this alone!
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @menothrive_wellness_program
💜 Let’s change the menopause narrative together!
