"Perimenopause and Menopause Affect Latina Women Differently — Here's What to Know"
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it is important to consider your wellness and how perimenopause and menopause impacts Hispanic and Latina women differently.
Menopause is often talked about as if every woman experiences it the same way. Research shows that isn't true. Studies show that Latina women often enter perimenopause earlier than white women. They also tend to experience menopause symptoms for a longer period of time.
The numbers behind this:
More than 65 million people of Hispanic origin live in the United States today. That is about 19% of the entire U.S. population. Despite this, most menopause research and education has not excluded Hispanic women in those same studies. This has left a gap in knowledge and statstical care data for millions of Latina women.
Here is what the research shows:
- Average age of menopause: Latina women reach menopause at an average age of about 50.9 years. White women reach menopause at an average age of about 52.9 years. This means Latina women often go through menopause about two years earlier.
- Duration of hot flashes and night sweats: Latina women experience these symptoms for a median of 8.9 years. White women experience them for a median of 6.5 years. This is a difference of more than two years.
- Top symptoms reported by Latina women: In a 2024 study of more than 68,000 women, the most common symptoms among Latinas were fatigue and low energy (81%), sleep disturbances (80%), and weight changes (80%). The most severe symptoms reported were skin and hair changes, mood swings, and irregular periods.
- Metabolic health: Research shows that postmenopausal Hispanic women have the highest rates of metabolic disease of any racial or ethnic group. They are also twice as likely to experience depressive symptoms during this transition.
- Access to treatment: A 2022 study of more than 200,000 women found that Hispanic women were 32% less likely than white women to be prescribed hormone therapy for menopause symptoms.
Why does this happen?
Doctors and researchers believe several factors contribute to these differences:
- Socioeconomic factors. Access to healthcare, insurance coverage, and financial resources can affect when symptoms are treated.
- Diet and environment. Nutrition and environmental exposures may play a role in hormonal health.
- Cultural beliefs. Some cultures view menopause symptoms as something to accept quietly, rather than something to treat.
- Trust in the medical system. Many Latina women have experienced barriers to care or mistrust of medical providers, which can delay seeking help.
- Underreporting. Differences in how symptoms are discussed with a doctor may mean symptoms go unreported or untreated.
Why this matters for you:
If you are a Latina woman experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, know this: you are not imagining it, and you do not have to just "push through it." Your experience may genuinely be more intense and longer-lasting than what your friends of other backgrounds describe. That does not mean it has to stay untreated.
Common symptoms to watch for:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Irregular periods
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes
- Weight changes
- Vaginal dryness
- Trouble concentrating
Treatment options are available:
You do not have to simply wait out these symptoms for years. Treatment options include:
- Hormone therapy- including low dose testosterone
- Non-hormonal medications
- Lifestyle changes
- Support for specific symptoms, like vaginal dryness, weight changes, or sleep problems
Talk to your doctor:
If you are experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, talk to your doctor. You deserve care that takes your full experience seriously; not just a physical checklist, but the toll it takes on your daily life. Ask questions. Share how you are really feeling.
Dr. Meredith Martin-Johnston, DO, FACOG, is a board-certified gynecologist serving Hoffman Estates and the greater Northwest Chicago suburbs. To schedule a consultation, call (847) 558-2822 or visit midwestgynecology.com.
This post is for general information and does not replace individualized medical advice.
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