The research from the UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health - the first UK wide survey to focus specifically on the menopause experiences of Black women - found that 88% of Black women received no menopause education at school, while 58% felt completely uninformed before the age of 40.

The survey showed most women sought help only once symptoms were severe, often turning first to friends or social media rather than health services.

More than half (56%) of participants had spoken to a healthcare professional about menopause, but many described the experience as negative.

Women reported being:

• misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression rather than menopause
• offered antidepressants instead of menopause specific treatment
• told they were 'too young' to be menopausal, despite experiencing significant symptoms
• met with reluctance to prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT), even when symptoms were severe.

Many participants - reflected repeatedly in the qualitative analysis - said their symptoms were not taken seriously, and some felt they had to 'self diagnose' to receive appropriate support.

Lead author Professor Joyce Harper, from UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, said: ‘Our findings show a stark picture: many Black women are navigating menopause with far too little information and far too little support.

‘This lack of preparation and culturally competent care is leaving many women frightened, dismissed, and struggling alone.'

The authors stress that the findings must prompt change, and they recommend:

• mandatory cultural competence training for healthcare professionals, which helps them understand cultural differences and address them appropriately in clinical communication, decision making and patient care
• early menopause education in schools, supporting the 2019 relationships and sex education curriculum changes
• accessible menopause resources in GP surgeries, including leaflets and videos
• holistic, patient-centred approaches, acknowledging women's preferences for lifestyle measures
• peer-supported programmes delivered by and for women from Black communities.

Co-author, Adebukola Ayoade, national menopause lead within the NHS Work Training and Education Directorate, said: ‘This research shines a vital light on the lived experiences of Black women during menopause, voices that need to be amplified in the national conversation.

‘Understanding their knowledge and attitudes helps us shape more inclusive, culturally competent menopause support. 

‘This moves us closer to equitable menopause care, as awareness is the first step toward meaningful change in policy, practice, and perception.'

In 2024 Professor Harper and colleagues at UCL launched the UK's first menopause education and support network, known as InTune. The study will further inform the development of the programme for women from diverse backgrounds.