ATLANTA - s4story -- Black Women's Health Imperative Releases Report Centering Black Women in the National Menopause Policy Conversation

New report examines Black women's experiences and analyzes menopause legislation across the United States to identify policy progress and persistent gaps in care

The Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI) today released Menopause and the Change Ahead: State and Federal Legislative Trends and Policy Insights (2021–2026), a new report that places Black women's experiences at the center of the growing national conversation about menopause and public policy.

While menopause is a universal life transition, Black women often experience it differently. Research highlighted in the report shows that Black women tend to enter menopause earlier, experience symptoms for longer periods, and face greater barriers to quality healthcare.

"Black women cannot be an afterthought in the national conversation about menopause," said Joy D. Calloway, MBA, MHSA, President and CEO of the Black Women's Health Imperative. "Our experiences reveal some of the deepest gaps in our healthcare system. This report is about ensuring that as menopause policy advances, Black women are seen, heard, and meaningfully included."

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The report builds on BWHI's 2025 Black Women's Menopause Study, which surveyed 1,574 Black women. Among respondents, 41% said their healthcare provider had not discussed menopause symptoms with them, 54% reported lacking enough information to manage their symptoms effectively, and 52% were uncertain about which recommendations to follow.

In addition to examining women's lived experiences, BWHI analyzed menopause-focused legislation introduced between January 2021 and March 2026. Researchers identified 171 state and federal bills addressing menopause, demonstrating rapidly growing policy attention to issues including insurance coverage, provider education, public awareness, research, workplace accommodations, and health disparities.

The report concludes that increased awareness alone will not improve outcomes. BWHI calls for stronger research and data collection, expanded access to menopause-trained clinicians, culturally responsive care, provider education that addresses racial bias, workplace protections, and policies that specifically address disparities affecting Black women.

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"Good policy should be measured by a simple question: Does it help women get the information, care, and support they need to live well?" Calloway added. "For Black women, that means building systems that recognize our experiences and are designed to respond to them."

Menopause and the Change Ahead: State and Federal Legislative Trends and Policy Insights (2021–2026) reflects BWHI's ongoing commitment to ensuring that Black women help shape the research, healthcare practices, and public policies that directly affect their lives.
https://powerinthepause.bwhi.org/menopause-report

About the Black Women's Health Imperative

The Black Women's Health Imperative is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the health and wellness of Black women and girls through research, advocacy, education, programs, and strategic partnerships.