#59 Menopause Whilst Black with Karen Arthur

Menopause is a transition that every woman experiences, not just the tired-looking, grey-haired white woman that often takes the spotlight in somewhat gloomy stock photos used by the media.

The experience of menopause is universal, regardless of ethnicity, yet symptoms and risk factors can differ for women of different backgrounds, such as those who are black or Asian.

Up until recently, UK black women haven't been represented in the menopause conversation. Thankfully, that's starting to change thanks to Karen Arthur, who I talk to in this week's episode.

Karen is a fashion designer, menopause diversity campaigner and host of the ground-breaking podcast Menopause Whilst Black. 

She also appeared in the Channel 4 documentary about menopause with Davina McCall.

Karen is also the inspiration behind Wear Your Happy, because she believes passionately in the power of clothing and accessories to enhance your mood and lift your spirits.

In this episode, we delved into several topics, including:

 🎙️ Karen's decision to leave teaching after 28 years due to the impact of menopause
🎙️ How menopause brought along anxiety and depression for Karen
🎙️ How Karen used fashion to lift her mood
🎙️ Karen's journey of finding her voice and starting her podcast
🎙️ The possible reasons why black women experience menopause earlier than white women
🎙️ The importance of diversity in the menopause conversation.

https://www.instagram.com/thekarenarthur/
https://www.instagram.com/menopausewhilstblack/
https://www.thekarenarthur.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/menopause-whilst-black/id1537012198?i=1000586552233