Thread by @monaeltahawy

"Out of 20yrs of literature regarding menopause symptoms, only 17 academic papers explore how this condition affects Black women, according to Dr. Makeba Williams, a Washington University physician who specializes in OB/GYN w/ expertise in menopause care." ksdk.com/article/news/l…

“I think what was really striking is that we know that for some of the more bothersome symptoms and complaints that are often expressed, hot flashes and night sweats, Black women experience them longer,” Dr. Williams said.
#Menopause

The average duration or median duration for these symptoms is about 10yrs versus White women who experience them 6.5yrs, according to the OB/GYN doctor.

“In addition to having a longer duration, there's a higher prevalence, so about an 80% prevalence amongst Black women."

Dr. Williams determined that African American women experience distinct differences in physical, psychological, social, and quality of life measures during menopause.

ksdk.com/article/news/l…

“Overall, this tends to lead to a poor quality of life and poorer health status, so this becomes pretty problematic as we also found that African American women are less likely to be offered treatment for these menopausal symptoms,” she said.

#Menopause