From Menopause to Mental Health: Real Talk from the 2025 Black Women’s Healthcare Summit hosted by women’s college hospital

Nov 4

Reflecting on the Black Women’s Healthcare Summit: Menopause, Mental Health, and the Need for culturally responsive Supports

Research shows that Black women often experience menopause earlier and with greater intensity than other populations. I first learned this at the Black Women’s Healthcare Summit, hosted by Women’s College Hospital at the Toronto Reference Library. The summit profoundly reshaped my understanding of Black women’s experiences with aging, chronic health conditions, mental health, self-care, and community care. Unfortunately, these experiences remain underrepresented in both healthcare research and broader community discussions.

Although this was the fifth annual summit, it was my first time attending. The event highlighted significant gaps in Black women’s healthcare, particularly around menopause—a topic that continues to be both under-discussed and under-researched.

Why Menopause Conversations Matter

As a Black woman in my 40s, I have come to realize how little I understand about what to expect during perimenopause and menopause. Growing up, these transitions were rarely discussed by the women in my family, and even in adulthood, they are seldom spoken about among friends. Too often, menopause is framed merely as a phase to “get through,” rather than as a significant life transition that deserves attention, curiosity, and compassion—a point emphasized by many panellists at the summit.

This silence leaves many of us unprepared—physically, emotionally, and mentally. The summit underscored the urgent need for open, culturally responsive conversations about aging, health, and well-being.

How Black Women Experience Menopause Differently

The summit highlighted how social determinants of health intersect to shape Black women’s experiences during menopause:

Earlier onset: Black women tend to enter perimenopause and menopause sooner, often experiencing symptoms for a longer duration.
More intense symptoms: Hot flashes (humorously referred to by one panellist as “tropical flashes”) and night sweats are frequently stronger and more persistent.
Barriers to care: Black women are less likely to receive appropriate treatment or symptom management from healthcare providers.
Accumulative stressors: Chronic stress, systemic racism, healthcare inequities, and cultural expectations—such as the pressure to embody the “Strong Black Woman” archetype—can accumulate over time, intensifying both physical and emotional challenges.
Mental health implications: Anxiety and depression are common during perimenopause and menopause, yet they often go undiagnosed and untreated.
Chronic health conditions: Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, fibroids, certain cancers, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and sickle cell disease can increase the need for support during menopause, particularly given their higher prevalence in Black communities.

Panelists emphasized the importance of prevention strategies and accessible screening tools to help women remain informed and proactive about their health. Hormonal changes during this stage can intensify symptoms and complicate management, making proactive healthcare, consistent mental health support, and strong community connections essential for navigating this transition with resilience, empowerment, and dignity.

Mental Health and Menopause

Hormonal fluctuations can disrupt mood, concentration, and sleep, often exacerbating anxiety and depression. Sleep, in particular, is critical for mood regulation, cognitive function, and overall physical health. When these physiological changes intersect with the daily realities many Black women face—racism, microaggressions, sexism, and systemic stress—they create a perfect storm for mental health strain.

One panellist shared that, for some women, symptoms become so severe that they are forced to leave the workforce—a finding echoed by the Menopause Foundation of Canada:

Unmanaged menopause symptoms cost Canada an estimated $3.5 billion annually.
Women lose approximately $3.3 billion in income due to reduced hours, lower pay, or leaving the workforce (Deloitte Canada report).

These statistics reflect the general population, not Black women specifically, but they are both frustrating and validating. They underscore how isolating and misunderstood this stage of life can be. When menopause symptoms and the daily realities of being a Black woman are dismissed or minimized—by the healthcare system, employers, or even family members—the impact is profound. Many women internalize feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt, which compounds stress, anxiety, and depression.

After attending the summit, one truth became clear: this stage of life calls for radical self-compassion, intentional care, and community support. Acknowledging the realities of menopause isn’t a sign of weakness; rather, it is a source of strength. It presents an opportunity to reclaim dignity, embrace understanding, and foster meaningful connection in a world that often expects women to simply “push through” the physical and emotional challenges of menstrual cycles, childbirth, perimenopause, and menopause. By honoring this transition, women can approach it with resilience, curiosity, and empowerment, transforming what is often overlooked into a deeply affirming and transformative stage of life.

Quick reflection Exercise: How often do you truly acknowledge the mental health impact of menopause—or create space for honest, non-judgmental conversations? Take a moment to consider the ways you engage with, support, or allow dialogue around this stage of life. Are there opportunities to listen more, validate experiences, and foster understanding—both for yourself and for the women around you?

Takeaways from the Summit

If you’re navigating this important stage of life or supporting someone who is, here are some helpful insights to consider:

1. Stay informed and recognize the signs early. Black women may experience menopause earlier than others. Keep an eye out for changes like irregular cycles, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood shifts, and sleep disturbances. Early recognition can empower you to take charge of your health and manage symptoms more effectively.

2. Be your own health advocate. Don’t settle for “just getting through it.” Seek out healthcare providers who truly listen and respect your experiences. If you feel unheard, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. There are many caring and knowledgeable professionals ready to support you—your well-being is a priority!.

3. Prioritize Mental Health. Therapy, peer support, and community connections are essential tools for staying grounded. For those who are religious, it’s important to know that faith and mental health care can coexist—you don’t have to “just pray it away.” Seeking support is a sign of strength, not a compromise of your beliefs.

4. Reclaim movement and nourishment. Menopause is a stage of transformation, not decline—take a moment to reflect on that. The panellists emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition, recommending approaches such as a Mediterranean-style diet that includes fish, or simply aiming to “eat the rainbow” by incorporating a variety of colorful foods. Pairing good nutrition with physical activity—such as dance, strength training, yoga, or walking—supports both mind and body while helping to alleviate symptoms.

5. Build Community. Share your experiences with friends, family, or trusted networks. Open conversations help break the stigma surrounding these transitions and foster support and understanding.

Healing Is Collective

Attending the summit reminded me that healing is both a personal and collective journey. When Black women come together to share knowledge, advocate for better care, and support one another, we challenge the systems that have historically silenced our voices.

There is still much work to be done to make healthcare equitable and responsive. Yet awareness, conversation, and connection are powerful starting points.

If you are a Black woman navigating perimenopause or menopause and noticing changes in your mood, identity, or relationships, know that you do not have to go through this alone. At Umunthu Psychotherapy, I support women through life transitions using integrative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches—approaches that honour both your individual journey and the collective wisdom of our community.

Book a consultation here

Menopause & Mental Health Resources

1. Start the Conversation with Your Family Doctor
If you’re noticing changes in your cycles, mood, sleep, or overall health, reach out to your family doctor and begin the conversation about perimenopause or menopause. Being proactive allows you to discuss symptoms, explore screening or treatment options, and create a personalized plan for both physical and mental well-being. Remember: speaking up is an important step in advocating for your health.

2. Menopause Foundation of Canada
https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca
Advocates for national awareness and support, providing research and educational tools about menopause and women’s health in Canada.

3. Women’s College Hospital
https://www.womenscollegehospital.ca
A leader in women’s health research and care. Their program offers specialized support for women navigating the psychological and emotional impacts of hormonal transitions, including perimenopause and menopause.

4. Menopause Clinic – Sinai Health
https://www.sinaihealth.ca/areas-of-care/wih/gynaecology/menopause-clinic
Provides specialized care for individuals experiencing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms that significantly affect quality of life. Services include comprehensive assessments, personalized care plans, lifestyle guidance, and both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options.

5. Canadian Menopause Society
https://www.canadianmenopausesociety.org/
A professional society dedicated to advancing knowledge, research, and clinical care in menopause and midlife women’s health across Canada.