In this episode, Kyle and Candace tackle one of the most challenging conundrums in healthcare for women in menopause: in particular, how the symptoms can be more severe in women of color (WOC) than they are for white women and last longer - a fact that goes largely unrecognized by doctors! Landmark research into the racial discrepancies in menopause, the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) (launched in 1994) followed a group of over 3,000 women in perimenopause and menopause for decades and found significant differences: that Black and Hispanic women reach menopause earlier than white, Chinese and Japanese women, and also experience certain menopausal symptoms for 10 or more years — almost twice as long. Even more concerning, the Office of Minority Health (a division of the DHHS), reports that black women are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease, strokes, cancer, asthma, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. The disparities extend further into the realm of maternal health as WOC are far more likely to suffer from fibroids and 3-4 times as likely to be affected by pregnancy related deaths. Furthermore, when WOC seek treatment for these symptoms, they often encounter physicians who are unaware of the differences and dismiss their concerns — a common experience for all menopausal women, but even more familiar among women of color. Dr. Monica Williams-Rilley is NOT one of those doctors! As the founder and medical director of Deep Rooted Health, and a Cliovana expert practitioner, she is leading the charge towards more inclusive healthcare for WOC with hormonal issues. Dr Williams is a Board-Certified Family Physician specializing in Functional Medicine, sexual health, and wellness. She has dedicated the last 25 + years in practice to teaching her clients how to meet their goals of living healthier lives through strategic lifestyle planning. Here are some of the key points of discussion we cover in this podcast episode: -Major factors contributing to the racial disparities and increased risks in health care for women of color -Health impacts of systemic racism and the multiple stressors unique to WOC -Symptoms and imbalances most common in WOC during Perimenopause/Menopause -Why Fibroids are more prevalent, “the norm” among black women -How keeping things inside makes menopause worse… in the community of color, women are taught to keep this to themselves, the importance of speaking up and expressing ourselves …. -Example of a routine visit, evaluation doing a health history back 10 years, all the way to the womb; the vital importance of listening -Which treatments and lifestyle changes bring most benefit – diet, exercise, lifestyle changes (ending toxic relationships), acupuncture, meditation -How we can create a more equitable health care system through healthy communication and becoming better listeners -How to help providers who work with WOC to recognize the earlier/more persistent symptoms they are experiencing perimenopause and menopause. CONNECT W/ DR WILLIAMS Work with Monica: Deep Rooted Health @deep_rooted_health CONNECT W/CANDACE + KYLE Candace Burch: YourHormoneBalance.com [email protected] Kyle McAvoy: [email protected]

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.