For starters, we used to think menopause was short-lived.
These were the conclusions of arecent literature review I co-conducted on the racial disparities in menopause.
Black people experience lengthier transitions into menopause, more severe symptoms, and poorer health outcomes.
Looking at the underlying context for these results tells a bigger story of disparity, however.
Starting in medical school, I encountered disparities in my research work on atherosclerotic diseases.
So, I struck up a conversation with my division director.
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He just looked at me and said, Youre the one who brought it up.
Why dont you do something about it?
What we presume is that these women were minimizing how they really felt.
And once youre downplaying your symptoms to yourself, youre far less likely to seek medical treatment.
What were still working to understand is the why.
How often are Black people offered treatment, and how often do they accept it?
Theres a lot of nuance, and we need more research to flesh out some of these differences.
And some of these shortcuts are necessary, given the short timeframe of a typical appointment.
The biggest takeaway Im hoping providers can glean from bias training iscultural humility.
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Simply acknowledging that reality can improve the way they provide care to Black people.
Before you head into a visit, be sure to write down all of your questions.
What do I need to consider based on my health status?
And if you still have questions at the end of a visit?
Ask for additional resources or information and suggest a follow-up to discuss further.
As told to Erica Sloan.
Clickhere to read more.
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