If your body feels like it’s running on a new set of rules, you’re not imagining it. Menopause is a major life transition, and for many Black women it looks a little different than the standard pamphlet describes.

What the research tells us. Studies, including the long-running Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), suggest Black women often reach menopause a bit earlier than white women and may experience hot flashes and night sweats for longer, sometimes for a decade or more. Despite this, many of us have been told to “just push through it” or have had our symptoms dismissed in the exam room.

Know the symptoms beyond hot flashes. Sleep trouble, brain fog, mood changes, joint aches, vaginal dryness, and changes in libido are all common. None of them are “just in your head.”

Protect your heart and bones. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, and Black women face higher rates of high blood pressure. After menopause, those risks climb. Keep up with your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar screenings, and talk to your doctor about bone density testing.

Explore your options. Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your health history, options may include hormone therapy, non-hormonal medications, vaginal estrogen, and lifestyle changes like regular movement, strength training, limiting alcohol, and managing stress. If you’ve had fibroids or a family history of certain cancers or blood clots, make sure your provider knows.

Advocate for yourself. Write down your symptoms before your appointment. Ask direct questions: What are my options? What are the risks for me specifically? If you aren’t being heard, it is perfectly okay to find a provider who will listen. A menopause-certified practitioner (look for NAMS-certified providers) can be a great resource.

You’ve handled a great deal in your life. This chapter deserves the same care and attention you’ve given everyone else.

This post is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Please talk with your healthcare provider about your individual needs.