Empowering Black Women from Puberty to Perimenopause
Volume 1 - Special Edition
At The Womb Space Movement, we recognize the unique experiences that Black women face throughout life stages. From the challenges of puberty to the joys and complexities of birthing, and finally, to the lesser-discussed stages of perimenopause to post-menopause, we are committed to supporting, educating, and advocating for Black women.
Join us at our upcoming event, "What's Your Woman Story?", where we’ll explore these key life phases through personal stories, expert-led discussions, and engaging activities—two dates in two cities. Register for your free Maryland or New York ticket below.
Introduction: Navigating Our Womanhood Together
Welcome to The Womb Space Movement newsletter! Here, we celebrate the unique journeys of Black women through the different stages of life. From navigating the challenges of puberty to embracing the joys and complexities of childbirth, and addressing the often-overlooked experiences of perimenopause, we are dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy. Our mission is to create a space where every woman feels informed and empowered to embrace her journey, knowing she is not alone. Join us as we explore these important topics and uplift our community together!
Black Girls & Puberty: Navigating Early Transitions
Black girls are more likely to experience early puberty, often due to a combination of environmental, genetic, and socio-economic factors. This can lead to emotional challenges like increased anxiety and depression. Cultural expectations around early maturity also contribute to confusion and lack of proper guidance at this critical time. NBC News recently highlighted a comprehensive study from the JAMA Network, examining how menarche (the onset of menstruation) and the time to achieve regular menstrual cycles have changed for individuals born between 1950 and 2005 in the U.S. The study found that, over time, the age of menarche has decreased, with younger generations experiencing quicker stabilization of their menstrual cycles. These trends are attributed to healthcare, nutrition, and lifestyle improvements, influencing reproductive development. This emphasizes the need for reproductive health education and early intervention to address menstrual irregularities that could affect future health.
Additionally, the study revealed concerning trends among Black children, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, who are beginning menstruation earlier than ever and experiencing more irregular cycles. This early menarche and cycle irregularity raise significant health concerns, as they are linked to long-term risks, including breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other adverse health outcomes. Addressing these disparities is critical, making access to reproductive health education and early support vital for these vulnerable populations.
References:
Wang Z, Asokan G, Onnela J, et al. Menarche and Time to Cycle Regularity Among Individuals Born Between 1950 and 2005 in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(5):e2412854. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12854. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2819141?resultClick=1
NBC News. (2023, September 20). Black children are menstruating earlier than ever, and more irregularly. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/black-children-period-earlier-irregular-menstrual-cycle-rcna154480
Key Statistics:
The average onset of puberty for Black girls is around 9 years old, compared to 10.5 years for white girls.
Black girls face a higher risk of mental health struggles during early puberty.
Longer time to achieve regular cycles, with more irregular cycles after two years.
Trends are more pronounced among those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Black Women & Birthing: Addressing Mortality and Maternity
Black women face a maternal mortality crisis in the U.S., being 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. This is due to systemic racism, healthcare biases, and inadequate access to culturally competent care. However, studies have shown that Black women with access to midwives, doulas, and culturally sensitive care see significantly improved outcomes. The 2021 study by Marian F. MacDorman, Marie Thoma, Eugene Declercq, and Elizabeth A. Howell, titled "Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Maternal Mortality in the United States Using Enhanced Vital Records, 2016–2017," highlights significant disparities in maternal mortality rates across racial and ethnic groups. The study found that Black women experienced maternal mortality rates 3.5 times higher than white women, while American Indian/Alaska Native women also had disproportionately high rates. The disparities were attributed to both social and healthcare factors, including systemic inequities in access to quality maternal care, and the persistence of chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes that disproportionately affect minority populations. The findings call for targeted interventions to reduce these disparities and improve maternal health outcomes for all women. For more details, see the original study here.
Additionally, the GMA segment "Black Women at Greater Risk for Maternal Mortality" emphasizes the alarming maternal mortality rates faced by Black women in the United States. The video highlights that Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. This disparity is linked to systemic issues, such as unequal access to quality healthcare, bias in medical treatment, and the compounding effects of chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. The segment also stresses the need for targeted healthcare interventions and greater awareness to address these racial disparities and improve outcomes for Black mothers.
You can watch the full video here.
References:
Marian F. MacDorman, Marie Thoma, Eugene Declcerq, and Elizabeth A. Howell, 2021:
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Maternal Mortality in the United States Using Enhanced Vital Records, 2016‒2017
American Journal of Public Health 111, 1673_1681, https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306375
GMA. (2023, August 25). Black women at greater risk for maternal mortality. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlfHmWInYGA
Key Statistics:
Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.
60% of maternal deaths are preventable, according to the CDC.
Black women face higher risks of hypertension, preeclampsia, and hemorrhage, which contribute to higher mortality rates.
Socioeconomic factors, such as access to healthcare, systemic racism, and provider bias, play a significant role in the disparity.
The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed country, with Black women being disproportionately affected (Health News Florida).
Black Women & Perimenopause: Breaking the Silence
Perimenopause is often marked by symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, which are more intense and long-lasting for Black women compared to other ethnicities. Unfortunately, this stage is rarely discussed in the Black community, leaving many women feeling uninformed and unsupported.
The 2022 Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) highlights significant disparities in reproductive aging and midlife health between Black and White women. The research indicates that Black women tend to experience earlier reproductive aging, including earlier onset of menopause, and face greater health challenges during midlife, such as higher rates of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. These disparities are influenced by socioeconomic factors, stress, and cumulative life stressors that disproportionately affect Black women, leading to accelerated reproductive aging and poorer health outcomes in midlife.
The Women of Color Experiences with Menopause and Mental Health discussion highlights the unique challenges women of color face during menopause, particularly regarding mental health. These challenges are often exacerbated by systemic inequalities, including limited access to culturally competent healthcare and the impact of chronic stress due to racial discrimination. Women of color, especially Black and Hispanic women, often experience more severe menopausal symptoms and face longer-lasting effects, yet they receive less support and treatment, such as hormone therapy. The mental health toll is significant, with higher instances of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances during menopause. For more insights, you can watch the discussion on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=HruCTqbeI3M
References:
Harlow, S.D., Burnett-Bowie, SA.M., Greendale, G.A. et al. Disparities in Reproductive Aging and Midlife Health between Black and White women: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Women's midlife health 8, 3 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40695-022-00073-y
Women of Color Experiences with Menopause and Mental Health. (2021, October 5). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP7IGx0Ld34
Key Statistics:
Black women reach menopause on average 1-2 years earlier than White women.
Black women report more severe menopausal symptoms than their peers of other ethnicities.
65% of Black women feel uninformed about managing perimenopause.
Higher rates of hypertension and diabetes among Black women in midlife.
Higher rates of anxiety and depression were reported among women of color during menopause.
As we continue to explore the unique experiences of Black women through puberty, birthing, and perimenopause, it's clear that these conversations are essential. Our stories deserve to be told, shared, and celebrated. If you're ready to
Dive Deeper: Attend 'What's Your Woman Story?' Don't miss out on "What's Your Woman Story?" on September 29th in Maryland or October 26th in New York, an interactive event focusing on the shared experiences of puberty, birthing, and perimenopause to post-menopause for Black women. Join the conversation, share your story, and learn more about navigating each phase of womanhood. Together, we'll foster understanding, support, and empowerment. We look forward to seeing you there!
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