When I tell women that frozen shoulder can be a perimenopause symptom, I often get the same response: "My doctor never mentioned that." And when I explain that Black women are more likely to experience this particular symptom, the silence that follows speaks volumes.

Here's the truth we need to face: Most of what we know about perimenopause in Black women is still limited. Research has focused primarily on white women, leaving gaps that hurt us. The symptoms that disproportionately affect women of color often get overlooked, dismissed, or misunderstood.

What the Numbers Tell Us

These statistics highlight the urgent need for more studies centered on perimenopause in Black women, including how our experiences differ and why they matter. The research that does exist paints a clear picture:

Black women experience vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) at higher rates and for longer durations than white women

We're 40% more likely to have severe hot flashes

Our symptoms often begin earlier and last up to 13 years compared to 6.5 years for white women

We experience higher rates of depression and anxiety during the menopausal transition

But here's what the research doesn't capture consistently; the intersection of perimenopause with the chronic stress of systemic racism, caregiving responsibilities, and economic pressures that many of us carry.

The Symptoms That Get Missed

The physical symptoms of perimenopause in Black women often show up differently and are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): Studies show Black women have higher rates of this condition during perimenopause, yet it's rarely discussed as a hormonal symptom. The declining estrogen affects our connective tissues, but we're often told it's "just arthritis" or "part of aging."

Cardiovascular Changes: Given that heart disease is the leading cause of death for Black women, the heart palpitations and blood pressure changes of perimenopause deserve special attention. Yet these symptoms are often attributed to stress rather than hormonal fluctuations.

Metabolic Shifts: The weight gain patterns during perimenopause affect us differently. Research shows Black women tend to gain more visceral fat during this transition, increasing risks for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. But instead of receiving targeted support, we're often given generic diet advice that doesn't consider our metabolic differences.

The Cultural Context

Our experiences don't happen in a vacuum. The "strong Black woman" stereotype can work against us in healthcare settings, where our pain may be minimized or our concerns dismissed. We're expected to handle everything, including significant hormonal changes, without complaint.

Add to this the generational silence around women's health issues in many of our families, and we're left navigating this transition with limited support and information.

Why This Matters for Your Health

Understanding that your experiences are valid and documented in research gives you power. When you walk into a healthcare appointment knowing that Black women have different risk factors and symptom patterns, you can advocate more effectively.

Instead of accepting "that's just how it is," you can ask:

• "How do my symptoms compare to what's typical for Black women in perimenopause?"
• "What are my specific risk factors given my race and family history?"
• "Are there treatment approaches that have been studied in women who look like me?"

Moving Forward Together

Every time you track your symptoms, speak up at appointments, or share your experiences with other women, you're contributing to a larger conversation about our health. You’re helping to fill the research gaps and challenging the healthcare system to see us fully. Your experience is part of a much bigger story - perimenopause in Black women deserves more recognition, research, and respect in healthcare.

Your perimenopause journey matters. Your symptoms are real. Your experiences deserve attention, research, and quality care.

We're not asking for special treatment. We're asking for equitable treatment that acknowledges our unique experiences and provides the support we deserve.

What symptoms have you experienced that you later learned could be connected to perimenopause? Share your story in the comments below. Your experience might help another sister recognize her own patterns.