It is with deep gratitude that MenoMedico shares the stories of women of colour who have chosen to speak with Dr. Malhotra for the purpose of educating the global health care system, or who have published their words to inform us all of the work that remains to be done to better serve.
Please read these stories with humility and an understanding that each word is a gift—offered with heart, bravery, and kindness. We invite you to receive the words shared on this site with humble curiosity and with the shared goal of improving health care for all.
In literature three major themes have arisen among others
1. Settlement can be very challenging and personal care regardless of quality of life are secondary to the life one is building in a new home.
- “Many immigrant women face difficulties of settlement/health/finances/languages/etc, which outweigh hot flushes and sleepless nights – they prioritise their needs and menopause is often low on the list.” (Stanzel et al., 2025)
2. The person may never have had a conversation at home about menopause and is now without supports at their new home:
- “Back home, we didn’t even say the word menopause. Here, I didn’t know who to ask. I thought maybe something was wrong with me.”
- I didn’t know what was happening to me. We don’t talk about this back home.”
(Kaida & Kipp, 2007)
3. Some women face isolation in the new community they have settled due to newness, loss of social connection, limited support systems, language barriers, different traditions and norms.
- ““Many immigrant women lack social networks and support … This led to difficulties adapting to a new environment … emotional distress, and feelings of being stranded.” (zou et all 2021)
1. What can we learn about menopause care from this information?
For many immigrant women, menopause may be unfamiliar, unspoken, or misunderstood.
Care must go beyond symptoms and create space for trust, language, and cultural context. This is again a time to strive to achieve trustworthy care provision and culturally safe care.
2. What can we do as health care providers to support people who have newly immigrated during menopause?
This is a time to practice cultural humility in all interactions to ensure we are providing respectful, culturally safe care that acknowledges migration stress and health access barriers.
Use interpreters, advocates, avoid assumptions, refection, and inviting their story into the clinical space
3. What can we do as community members to support new immigrants related to menopause?
It is important to work towards breaking the stigma by speaking openly and compassionately about menopause in diverse settings. Support access to inclusive resources and help build networks of shared understanding and care. Remember, a friendly face and compassionate conversation is often a part of the care plan.