Yale University recently conducted a study of African-American and White women in menopause that shows that even though they experience many of the same symptoms as White women, they report more symptoms such as dizziness and bloating.

The study, conducted by a Yale School of Nursing researcher, found that African American women and White women reported menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, irregular menstruation, heavy bleeding, sleep changes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, decreased libido and urinary urgency. Other common symptoms were forgetfulness, depression, irritability, fatigue, headache, and skin and hair changes.

African-American women reported less common menopausal symptoms such as dizziness, vaginal discharge, vaginal and body odor, hot feet, swollen hands, body rashes, bloating and joint stiffness.

The study also reported that some participants experienced ‘rage,’ such as being indignant toward colleagues, friends and family members. Interestingly, White women reported this rage as perhaps a “coming of age” and outgrowth of their life’s experiences than representative of Black or White culture.

Lastly, only 16 percent of the women were using hormone replacement therapy, and 68 percent had never tried it although all of the women were award of the option and had been offered a prescription by their clinician.

Source: Yale Study: African American Women Report More Menopause Symptoms Than White Women. Black Issues in Higher Education. May 18, 2005. p. 28

George T. Rowan, Ph.D. is a professor in the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources at Michigan State University and chairperson of the Ingham County Board of Health.