A qualitative exploration of the lived experience of menopause among Black women in the UK.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Introduction: Despite increased research on menopause in the UK, there is a scarcity of research published on the experiences of Black women going through menopause. Studies suggest that culture, race, and ethnicity influence how menopause is experienced. Evidence shows that Black women face racial health inequalities in the UK. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the menopause experiences of Black women in the UK. Methods: The interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) study design was used to explore Black women’s lived experience of menopause in the UK. Purposive sampling was then used to select the five participants who were included in this study. In-depth interviews were used for data collection and IPA was used for data analysis Findings: Three main themes emerged from the study following data analysis. The themes are: unprepared, coming to terms; and acceptance and cultural shift. The findings show that participants had less knowledge about menopause before they started experiencing the symptoms. Strategies used to cope with menopause include humour, dietary and lifestyle changes. A cultural shift towards viewing menopause as a transformative phase at mid-life which should not to be stigmatised as a taboo subject was identified. Conclusion: Menopause is a challenging experience for Black women in the UK in many ways. A more diverse approach to symptom management could ensure Black women feel more supported by the healthcare services that are available in the UK. Supplementary Material File (lived experiences of menopause among black women in the uk may25.docx) - Download - 2.88 MB Information & Authors Information Version history Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License.

Authors Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 252views 139downloads Citations Download citation Rachael Amarkai Charles, Tongai Chichaya. A qualitative exploration of the lived experience of menopause among Black women in the UK.. Authorea. 16 May 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174738074.49840914/v1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174738074.49840914/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu.