On episode number nine of the podcast, Lori Tharps is putting on her professor’s hat again for an important solo episode to talk about how and why race, ethnicity and culture impact how we experience our menopause journey. It’s not all just about age and hormones.

As a journalist and an author, Lori spent her entire career writing about racism, identity politics and social justice issues, and so bringing that lens to the menopause space is something she had to do, not only because it’s fascinating, but also, because understanding how one’s ethnic background influences one’s menopause experience makes it easier to manage and anticipate the changes and symptoms that are part of this transition phase.

Also, like many things in America, there are inequities in menopause outcomes that are most definitely influenced by things like racism, classism and chronic poverty.

Some of the topics that will be covered in this episode include:

- Why women of color hit menopause earlier than white women

- Which ethnic group suffers the the most intense perimenopausal symptoms and why

- How diet might impact the intensity of perimenopause symptoms

- How culture and ageism impacts perimenopause symptoms

- Why racism and poverty can make perimenopause symptoms worse

- What do smoking and religion have to do with menopause

- Why menopause is a social justice issue

Links from the show for more menopause inspiration and information

The SWAN study (The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation)

A Washington Post article that examines the Black woman's menopause experience and the lack of attention they have received.

An article (somewhat dated but still interesting) from the Chicago Tribune about the Asian American menopause experience.

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Disclaimer: Lori L. Tharps is not a doctor, nor any other type of medical professional, therefore do not use anything you hear on this podcast as a substitute for verifiable medical advice and information. Always check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any medical questions or concerns regarding menopause or any other health-related issue.