Key factors in menopause health disparities and inequities: Beyond race and ethnicity

To summarize recent evidence of the sociocultural, environmental, behavioral, and biological factors that contribute to disparities and inequities in menopause health.

Racism, discrimination, chronic stress, and trauma are related to more severe menopause symptoms and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk during the menopause transition (MT). Living in neighborhoods with higher concentrations of air pollution and less greenspace may be associated with a younger age at menopause. These sociocultural and built environments may lead to adverse physiologic changes and health outcomes during the MT, which disproportionately affect women of color.

Emerging literature supports the need to address upstream factors that drive inequities in menopause health including, racism, discrimination, and health care access. Women of color and those who identify as a sexual or gender minority likely perceive and experience the MT differently, but additional research is needed to evaluate this fully.