From Menopause to Mental Health: Real Talk from the 2025 Black Women’s Healthcare Summit hosted by women’s college hospital
Reflecting on the Black Women’s Healthcare Summit: Menopause, Mental Health, and the Need for culturally responsive Supports
Did you know that Black women often experience menopause earlier and more intensely than other groups? If your answer is “no,” you’re not alone. Our stories and experiences are rarely reflected in healthcare research—or even within our own communities.
Last week, I attended the Black Women’s Healthcare Summit, hosted by Women’s College Hospital at the Toronto Reference Library, and it profoundly reshaped my perspective on Black women aging, chronic health issues, mental health, self-care, and community care.
Although this was the fifth annual summit, it was my first time attending. The event brought to light critical gaps in Black women’s healthcare, particularly regarding menopause, a topic that remains under-discussed and under-researched.
Why Menopause Conversations Matter
As a Black woman in my 40s, I've come to realize how little I understand about what to expect from my body 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 my friend groups. Too often, menopause is seen merely as a phase to “get through,” rather than as a profound life transition that deserves attention, curiosity, and compassion—a point many panellists at the summit emphasized.
This silence leaves many of us unprepared—physically, emotionally, and mentally. The summit highlighted the urgent need to create space for open and culturally responsive discussions about aging and well-being.
How Black Women Experience Menopause Differently
Research presented at the summit underscored how social determinants of health intersect to shape the experiences of Black women during menopause;
Earlier onset: Black women tend to enter perimenopause and menopause sooner, experiencing symptoms for a longer duration.
More intense symptoms: Hot flashes (one panellist jokingly called them “tropical flashes”), and night sweats are often stronger and more frequent.
Barriers to access to treatment: Black women are less likely to receive appropriate care or symptom management from healthcare providers.
Compounding stressors: Chronic stress, systemic racism, inequities in healthcare, and cultural pressures—such as the expectation to embody the Strong Black Woman archetype—can exacerbate both physical and emotional distress.
Chronic Health issues and Menopause
Some panellists highlighted that chronic health conditions—such as high blood pressure, diabetes, fibroids, certain cancers, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and sickle cell disease—significantly increase the need for support during menopause, particularly given their high prevalence in our communities.
They emphasized the importance of prevention strategies and accessible screening tools to help women stay 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
The panelists also emphasized how hormonal fluctuations can disrupt mood, concentration, and sleep, often worsening symptoms of anxiety and depression. Sleep, in particular, is critical for mood regulation, cognitive function, and overall physical health. When these physiological changes are combined 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 altogether — 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).
It’s important to note that these statistics reflect the general population — not Black women exclusively. Nevertheless, hearing them was both frustrating and validating. The numbers underscore just 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 — whether by the healthcare system, employers, or even family members — the impact is profound. Many women internalize feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt. This dismissal doesn’t just invalidate their lived experiences; it compounds stress, anxiety, and depression, making an already challenging transition even more difficult to navigate.
Quick reflection Exercise: How often do we 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?
After attending the summit, one truth became crystal 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 offers an opportunity to reclaim dignity, understanding, and connection in a world that often instructs women to simply “push through” the physical and emotional challenges of menstrual cycles, childbirth, perimenopause, and menopause.
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. Identifying these signs early 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 and community support are essential tools for staying grounded. For those of us who are religious, it’s important to know that faith and mental health care can coexist—you can seek support without compromising your beliefs.
4. Reclaim Movement and Nourishment
Menopause is a stage of transformation, not decline (sit with this thought for a second). The panellists emphasized the importance of balanced nutrition—consider following a Mediterranean diet that includes fish, or aim to “eat the rainbow” by incorporating a variety of colourful foods. Combine good nutrition with physical activity such as dance, strength training, yoga, or walking to support both your mind and body while alleviating symptoms (panellist’s recommendations, note mine).
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 do to make healthcare equitable and responsive. However, awareness, conversation, and connection are powerful places to start.
If you’re a Black woman navigating perimenopause or menopause and experiencing 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 an integrative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches—one’s that honours both your individual journey and our community wisdom.
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.
