Black women are less likely to receive hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms compared to white women, despite experiencing more severe symptoms, according to a recent study.
The research, which analyzed data from nearly 66,000 midlife women, found that white women were 40% more likely to be prescribed hormone therapy than Black women. This disparity persisted even when Black women had psychiatric conditions, which were associated with increased menopause symptoms.
“Black women were prescribed HRT treatment less often compared to their white counterparts,” the study reported. Only 11% of women in the study had documented menopause symptoms, far lower than previous estimates of up to 80%.
Researchers suggested several factors may contribute to this gap, including underreporting of symptoms by patients, inadequate physician inquiry, and poor documentation. The study noted that “black women are more likely to deny menopause symptoms unless specifically asked.”
Cultural and structural racism in healthcare were cited as underlying causes of these disparities. Implicit biases and institutional barriers can create obstacles for women of color seeking quality menopause care.
The findings highlight the need for more equitable approaches to menopause treatment. Experts suggest improving physician education on cultural competence and increasing awareness of potential racial biases in symptom reporting and treatment decisions.
Addressing these disparities could help ensure all women receive appropriate care for managing menopause symptoms, regardless of race.
See “Telemedicine’s Role in Addressing Disparities in HRT Care” (January 22, 2024)
