A Qualitative Exploration of the Lived Experience of Menopause Among Black Women in the United Kingdom.

Abstract

Introduction: Despite increased research on menopause in the United Kingdom, 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 United Kingdom. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the menopause experiences of Black women in the United Kingdom.

Methods: The interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) study design was used to explore Black women's lived experience of menopause in the United Kingdom. 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 United Kingdom in many ways. These preliminary findings suggest the potential value of tailored approaches to symptom management.