As part of our Lunch & Learn series of webinars, Henpicked’s Sally Leech, Director at Henpicked was joined by Dr Radhika Vohra.
There is growing evidence that women’s experiences of menstrual and menopausal health are shaped by their ethnicity and background, from the types of symptoms they experience to how easy it is to access support.
In this session, we looked at the data, shared practical advice and heard Dr Radhika’s reflections from both clinical work and personal experience.
Henpicked: How does ethnicity affect menstruation and menstrual health?
Dr Radhika Vohra: There are definitely patterns emerging. For example, women of African and Caribbean heritage are more likely to have heavier, longer periods and more likely to experience fibroids. That can mean more anaemia, more impact on quality of life and often more surgical interventions like hysterectomies.
We also need to challenge what we accept as ‘normal’. Many women are conditioned from a young age to tolerate pain and heavy bleeding without seeking help. We still hear, “just carry on”, even when it’s affecting work, sport or social life.
Research is also revealing the impact of menstruation on things like athletic performance, with studies looking at injury risk in relation to hormone changes. The England women’s football team, for example, have investigated the link between menstrual phase and ACL injuries, a clear sign that we’re only just beginning to understand the full picture.
Henpicked: What about menopause, do the differences continue?
Dr Radhika Vohra: Absolutely. A landmark 2024 study published in Menopause journal, which reviewed over 70,000 insurance records in the US, showed clear links between race, socioeconomic status and the menopause experience. South Asian women were more likely to experience weight gain, chest discomfort, and symptoms related to metabolic syndrome, like raised blood pressure and cholesterol. They’re also more prone to type 2 diabetes in menopause.
African American women reported more severe vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. Meanwhile, women from East Asian backgrounds tended to have fewer of these symptoms but experienced more joint and emotional symptoms. The same study also found that women from lower socioeconomic groups experienced more symptoms overall, regardless of ethnicity, showing how important it is to consider both race and income as separate but interconnected factors.
Data from the UK echoes these concerns. A 2022 analysis showed that women from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups were 30% less likely to be prescribed HRT and those with lower education levels were less likely to access specialist care. That means too many women are slipping through the net.
Henpicked: So how can we break down those barriers?
Dr Radhika Vohra: It starts with awareness and representation. We need more role models, more honest conversations and more resources that reflect everyone’s experience.
We also need to meet people where they are. That might mean symptom trackers that use pictures, materials translated into other languages or information shared through trusted community groups. We know that even having the conversation can be difficult. In some languages, there isn’t even a word for menopause and where there is, it might mean “age of despair” or “barren”. No wonder people don’t feel comfortable talking about it!
Education for clinicians is vital too. Research shows that if a healthcare professional starts the conversation, women are much more likely to open up. But we also need to empower women to come forward and advocate for themselves.
Henpicked: Are there particular conditions to be aware of?
Dr Radhika Vohra: Yes. Fibroids are significantly more common in women of African heritage and can make perimenopause extremely turbulent. They’re also a major reason for hysterectomy in this group. We’ve now got new medications that can help manage fibroids but awareness is still low.
PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is under-recognised in women of colour. It’s a condition that causes extreme emotional and physical symptoms before a period and can hugely affect daily life. Raising awareness and pushing for earlier diagnosis is critical.
Endometriosis also remains a concern, with an average delay of 10 years to diagnosis. That’s too long and by the time many women get help, the condition may have affected their fertility or mental health.
Henpicked: How can we become more aware of when something’s not quite right?
Dr Radhika Vohra: Listening to your body is so important. One of the signs that often gets overlooked is when you’re regularly buying more absorbent period products or going through them very quickly. That might seem normal to you if it’s always been that way but it’s not something you just have to put up with.
If you’re using super or night pads regularly during the day or doubling up on protection and still leaking, it’s time to check in with a health professional. Similarly, if you’re losing several days a month to pain or fatigue, that’s a red flag. Heavy bleeding that affects your quality of life isn’t something to ignore.
There are treatment options available, from hormonal contraception that can reduce bleeding to managing underlying conditions like fibroids. You don’t have to suffer in silence.
Henpicked: What role do lifestyle and self-care play?
Dr Radhika Vohra: A huge one. Women from some backgrounds are more genetically prone to central weight gain, particularly South Asian women. And when oestrogen levels drop, your body tries to compensate by storing fat in those areas, especially around the waist. That’s linked to increased risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Stress management is also key. Women today are part of the “sandwich generation”, raising children, working longer, caring for ageing parents. High cortisol levels mean your body holds onto fat and craves sugar.
There’s good evidence that daily movement, resistance training and strength exercises can reduce symptoms by up to 30%. Nutrition matters too, getting enough vitamin D, calcium and good fats and reducing sugar and processed food. We have free guides at The Menopause Charity, including tips on eating well on a budget.
Henpicked: What practical steps can individuals and employers take?
Dr Radhika Vohra:
- – Create spaces to talk openly, especially in communities where stigma is high.
- – Use symptom trackers to help people recognise changes early.
- – Translate materials and make them easy to understand, remember the average reading age is 11.
- – Signpost to trusted resources like The Menopause Charity, which has visual tools, multilingual support and community campaigns.
- – Employers can run awareness sessions and build safe environments where people feel seen and heard.
- – Involve allies, partners, friends, children and educate them, too.
Henpicked: And what’s your message to anyone feeling unsure or overwhelmed?
Dr Radhika Vohra: Trust yourself. If something feels different or difficult, it’s valid. There are lots of tools, treatments and lifestyle changes that can help. Don’t wait until things get unmanageable. And if your language doesn’t have a word for it – create one. Be your own ambassador. You deserve support.
I’d also say don’t underestimate the power of community. Share your story if you can – even in a small way. It helps others feel less alone.
More about Dr Radhika Vohra
Dr Vohra works as an NHS and private GP in Surrey. Her special interest is women’s health, menopause and education. She qualified at the University of Birmingham Medical School and is a Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare registered trainer and NHS appraiser.
She is also a trustee of The Menopause Charity. You can find her on her website – Dr Radhika Vohra or follow her on social media here:
You can watch the webinar recording here:
