Nobody Warned Us: Perimenopause & Black Women

Black women enter perimenopause earlier, experience more severe symptoms, and are significantly less likely to receive adequate treatment. Dr. Cassandre breaks down the research, names what so many women have been living through without language, and gives you the tools to advocate for yourself in any medical setting.

What we cover:

• Why perimenopause can start in your 30s — not just your 50s
• The symptoms most commonly misdiagnosed as stress, anxiety, or depression
• What the data says about Black women — earlier onset, more severe symptoms, and a significant treatment gap
• The connection between chronic stress, structural racism, and accelerated reproductive aging
• Fibroids, heavy bleeds, and the generational pattern nobody talks about
• What to say to your doctor and exactly which tests to ask for by name
• Why normal lab results do not rule out perimenopause

This episode is for the woman who has been dismissed. For the woman whose mother and aunties suffered through things they never had a name for. And for every Black woman who deserves to walk into a medical appointment prepared and impossible to ignore.

Episodes mentioned:

Dr Kameelah Phillips: https://youtu.be/dnwlrgtI3d0?si=L6uP1R6lH6UaCi8P

Brain Fog: https://youtu.be/uzuYgxlRJs0?si=g4zPijo3k5M42C6B

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Be Well, Sis is hosted by Dr Cassandre Dunbar. The show is edited, mixed and produced by Megan Hayward. Our Production Manager is Kathleen Speckert.

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