The average age of the menopause in the UK is 51 years BUT did you know that it can happen earlier in some ethnic minority groups?
The list below are just a few examples of ethnic minority groups that have a lower than UK average age of the menopause:
- Indian women: 46.7 years
- Pakistani women: 47.16 years
- African women: 49.6 years
- Caribbean women: 49.6 years
18% of the UK population are Black, Asian, “Mixed” or “Other” ethnic minority groups (2021 Census data) and although we have limited data on the experiences of menopause in women from ethnic minority backgrounds, we need to be mindful about extrapolating data from the majority.
Recognising that the menopause can occur earlier in some ethnicity minority groups can help to prevent delays in the diagnosis and management of the perimenopause/menopause to able to offer timely advice and support.
Menopause care is not one-size-fits-all. Nuances in ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds matter too and we need more inclusive research to be able to better serve everyone.
Source: Prasad, S (2023). Menopause in Ethnic Minority Women. British Menopause Society