Perimenopause is often misnamed, misunderstood, or missed entirely, especially for Black women. The symptoms may be subtle, but the stakes are high. When care falls short, women lose time, answer,s and trust. Jayla Health is working to change that.
We spoke with Antonia Walters, Co-Founder and CEO of Jayla Health, Inc., and Dr. Rachel Blake, Medical Advisor to Jayla Health, Inc., about what perimenopause really looks like and how culturally aware care can make all the difference.
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Why Naming Perimenopause Matters
“When perimenopause is dismissed, Black women often end up suffering in silence for years,” said Antonia Walters. “Symptoms like heavy bleeding, brain fog, or fatigue can be brushed off as ‘just life,’ which delays treatment and increases the risk of more serious health issues, such as anemia or high blood pressure.”
She added, “For us, this stage is a health crossroads. Research from the SWAN study shows Black women tend to reach menopause earlier, experience longer and more intense symptoms, and face higher risks like fibroids and heart disease.”
Dr. Rachel Blake agreed. “When perimenopause symptoms are written off, particularly by healthcare providers, it truly endangers black women’s lives and livelihoods.”
What Support Should Look Like
“Supportive, culturally aware care means listening fully and meeting us where we are,” said Walters. “It looks like a provider asking about lived experience. Whether that’s how fibroids run in a family, or how cultural beliefs around menopause shape expectations.”
“It also means acknowledging systemic disparities. Black women are more likely to undergo hysterectomies, face misdiagnosis, or have symptoms dismissed as stress. Navigating these health risks requires more than just medical care. It needs understanding and care teams that reflect the women they serve.”
Dr. Blake added, “Culturally aware or culturally competent care takes into consideration the full lived experience of the patient in addition to their medical needs. It centers culture within discussions about goals of care, treatment plans, and even fears and anxieties about medical care.”
“For black women in particular, this is important given the historical context of racism and abuse in our healthcare system. This has unfortunately been passed down through generational trauma and must be considered in the care of every black woman.”
Hormone Changes Can Start Earlier
“I wish more of us knew that hormone changes can start earlier than expected, sometimes in the late 30s, and that symptoms don’t always look like hot flashes,” said Walters. “Subtle shifts like disrupted sleep, anxiety, or irregular cycles may be the first signs.”
“The SWAN study has shown that Black women often face heavier bleeding, more intense hot flashes, and longer symptom duration than White women. Understanding this helps us track what’s happening and seek support sooner, instead of wondering if it’s ‘just stress.’ With the right information and tools, we can take proactive steps to feel prepared instead of caught off guard.”
Dr. Blake said, “Throughout our 30s and even 40s, we are often hyper-focused on family planning. Be that childbearing and fertility, or contraception and pregnancy prevention.”
“I wish more Black women knew that during these times, particularly during our late 30s and early 40s, we also need to focus on our overall health. Many women don’t realize that hormonal health is an important component of overall health. Your hormonal health can be closely linked to your bone, heart, brain, and mental health.”
“So, by your overall health during your 30s and 40s, you can set yourself up to thrive during perimenopause, the menopausal transition and beyond.”
Testing That Reflects Your Cycle
“Our test is urine-based and measures follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which naturally rises as a woman approaches menopause,” said Walters. “It can be done at home every other day for five days, giving a fuller picture of hormone changes over time.”
“By contrast, most doctors use a blood test that captures only one point in time. That is, unless you have the time and money to go back repeatedly. The real value comes from pairing this data with a telehealth consultation led by a provider specially trained in perimenopause and menopause.”
“No single test can ‘diagnose’ perimenopause, but when results are combined with clinical expertise, the insights are powerful. And because 90 percent of our providers are women of color, patients also see themselves reflected in the care they receive.”
Dr. Blake said, “Jayla’s FSH test is performed in the comfort of your own home, which, for many women, may be easier and more convenient than getting the test done at a physician’s office.”
“FSH can fluctuate over the course of the menstrual cycle, so this type of serial testing is beneficial to obtain a clearer picture of what is happening inside each woman’s body. Following up this hormone testing with a telehealth consult helps patients to understand their results and really put this result into context with their overall symptom profile and menopause journey.”
Care That Doesn’t Dismiss You
“Jayla is building care that goes beyond prescriptions,” said Walters. “We’re a full-stack model that combines testing, telehealth, pharmacy, and education in one place.”
“For Black women, stress, systemic barriers, and the ‘weathering’ effects of discrimination influence our health journey. We’re intentional about making care seamless and supportive so that women don’t feel left behind.”
“Our approach is rooted in science but also in lived experience, recognizing that hormones influence every part of life. Ultimately, our goal is to modernize women’s healthcare. That means care that is accessible, relatable, and trustworthy. Too many of us have been underserved for far too long.”
Dr. Blake added, “All of Jayla’s providers are certified by the Menopause Society, which means that they can counsel patients about the full range of perimenopause and menopause symptoms and treatments.”
“Jayla providers are certified by the Menopause Society and specialize in perimenopause and menopause care. They follow evidence-based guidelines and take every symptom, question, and concern seriously during this often-confusing time.”
That kind of care is expert, evidence-based, and culturally aware. It is exactly what Black women deserve. Ready to take the next step? Jayla Health’s 2-minute quiz can help you get matched with perimenopause care that fits your needs.
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