CARING FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY: WOMEN'S HEALTH WEEK 2025

National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) is observed every May during Maternal Mental Health Month and is led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. This year highlights three important topics: menopause, mental health, and cancer. These issues affect all women, but Black women often face unique challenges due to health disparities, systemic bias, and a lack of culturally relevant care. Addressing these issues is key to helping all women get the care they deserve.  

MENOPAUSE

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, taking place between the ages 45 and 55, and for Black women, it often comes with unique challenges such as more severe hot flashes and greater barriers to care due to systemic health disparities. Perimenopause and postmenopausal symptoms can include hot flashes, mood changes, and increased risk for health conditions such as heart disease and bone loss. Prioritizing self-care, staying active, and seeking support can help manage symptoms and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Learn more about menopausal symptoms and health practices here 

Here are some ways you can navigate menopause symptoms: 

• For hot flashes. Talk to your doctor to see if hormone therapy or other medications is right for you. You can also manage them by dressing in easily removable layers, drinking cold water, using fans, and deep breathing.

  
  

  Check out this podcast episode discussing hormone therapy with women’s health expert Dr. Sharon Malone here.  

  
  

• Vaginal Discomfort & Sexual Health: Lower estrogen during menopause can cause dryness, itching, burning, and pain during sex, sometimes leading to vaginal tears. Over-the-counter lubricants and doctor-prescribed estrogen treatments can help.  Mood changes and dryness may also affect how you feel about sex. Getting treatment can improve comfort and well-being. Though you can’t get pregnant, you’re still at risk for STIs—barrier methods like condoms or dental dams offer protection. 

  
  

• Sleep & Mood Support: Hormonal shifts can disrupt sleep and affect mood, causing insomnia, night sweats, irritability, and emotional changes. Healthy habits like regular exercise, stress management, limiting caffeine/screen time, and keeping a sleep routine can help improve rest and emotional balance. 

Watch BWPC’s special event with Dr. Sharon Malone discussing menopause, effective treatments, and highlight the importance of advocating for ourselves in healthcare here. 

Get Dr. Malone’s book here  

Download BWPC’s Getting Healthy, Staying Healthy Notebook here 

Learn more about managing menopause symptoms here 

MENTAL HEALTH

Women’s mental health can be deeply influenced by life changes like pregnancy, menopause, caregiving, and even social media. Black women often face added stress from racial discrimination, health inequities, and environmental challenges, contributing to chronic stress, depression, and anxiety. Prioritizing mental wellness and seeking support can improve health outcomes. 

Ways to support your mental health: 

• Get access to essential resources from BWPC’s Community Health Advocates for healthcare, health insurance, and resources like transportation, housing, food, and more. Call us at (559) 767-1756. 

  
  

• Move your body and find calming exercises such as walking, yoga, deep breathing, and meditation. Join our free community yoga at BWPC.  

  
  

• Eat as healthy as possible and stay hydrated with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and more. Learn about eating healthy on a budget here and nutrition for pregnancy here. 

  
  

• Build a support system by connecting with supportive people to reduce stress. 

  
  

• Join the BLACK Pregnancy Care Support at BWPC for a 10-session cohort led by health experts, covering pregnancy topics and connecting with other moms. Learn more here 

  
  

• Practice self-care with activities that bring you joy, such as beauty appointments, reading, or painting. 

  
  

Learn more about pregnancy and stress here 

Learn more about tips to manage stress during pregnancy here  

Learn more about how to talk to your doctor about your mental health here 

Find more wellness resources and strategies here 

You are not alone, if you are experiencing mental health challenges, free and confidential help is available 24/7 at 988lifeline.org or by calling/texting 988. 

CANCER

Cancer is a major health concern for women, but regular screenings, early detection, and healthy habits can lower the risk and improve outcomes. Black women are at higher risk for certain cancers and have worse outcomes because of earlier diagnosis of aggressive cancers, delayed screenings, and limited access to care. Staying informed and talking to your doctor about these issues can help protect your health. 

Here are some ways you can lower your risk for cancer: 

• Know your family history. Talk with your doctor if close relatives have had health conditions such as cancer. Learn more about how to gather your family history here 

  
  

• Get regular screenings to detect cancer early when it is easier to treat. Learn more about breast cancer and tips for early detection here 

  
  

• Avoid tobacco products and limit alcohol use. Quitting smoking can greatly lower your chances of many types of cancer. Limiting your alcohol consumption can reduce your risk for breast, liver, and colorectal cancers.  

  
  

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, choosing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. People with healthy eating patterns live longer and are at lower risk for serious health problems. 

  
  

  Watch this video on family planning and cancer from the CDC here 

  
  

  Learn more about recommended cancer screenings and other screenings for women here