For Black women in perimenopause and menopause
Unshrunk & Upwards:
Earlier. Longer. Hotter. And too often ignored
An evidence-based guide to the UK and US research on Black women and menopause, opening with a personal letter from Unshrunk co-founder and menopause coach Marva Williams. The facts, the figures and the exact words you need to get the care you deserve.
Instant PDF download · 40 pages · UK & US research · Survival toolkit included
Does any of this sound familiar?
- Your body started changing in your late 30s, while everyone around you seemed untouched.
- Hot flushes have gone on far longer than anyone warned you.
- You've been told it's "just stress" or "too early".
- You've never been offered HRT, or you weren't sure you could ask.
- Most menopause advice doesn't feel like it was written with you in mind.
You're not imagining it. Research shows Black women can reach menopause earlier, live with hot flushes for longer, and are less likely to be offered HRT. This guide puts that research in your hands.
What the research shows
A different timeline.
Studies such as SWAN show Black women can reach menopause earlier and live with symptoms for longer.
Stress lands in the body.
Chronic stress and racism can take a physical toll, and "Strong Black Woman" silence isn't strength.
A prescribing gap.
Black women are less likely to be offered HRT. Knowing the numbers helps you ask.
What's inside the guide
Six chapters, from the evidence to the action plan:
- The timeline disparity:
what the SWAN study and UK data reveal about onset, duration, sleep and mood.
- Weathering the storm:
how chronic stress and racism land in the body.
- Fibroids, surgery and HRT:
- the fibroid crisis and what to ask before any operation
- the UK and US HRT prescribing gap, and what the research says
- Breaking the silence:
stigma, representation and generational medical mistrust.
The Unshrunk Survival Toolkit
- Be ready for your appointment.
- A pre-appointment prep sheet and the questions to ask.
- A word-for-word GP script.
- Bring the evidence.
- A 14-day symptom tracker.
- Clear notes, so you're heard the first time.
A letter from Marva
That's why I retrained as a menopause coach and counsellor, and why this book exists. Not to scare you, but to arm you: with the facts, the figures and the exact words to use when you walk into that GP's surgery.
Who this guide is for
- Black women in perimenopause or menopause
- Women whose symptoms started earlier than expected
- Women who feel dismissed by healthcare, or unsure what to ask for
- Partners, friends, family and professionals who want to understand
Not for: anyone looking for a diagnosis or a prescription. This guide helps you get the care you deserve from your healthcare team; it doesn't replace them.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a printed book or a download?
It's an instant PDF download. You'll get the guide straight after you buy, ready to read on your tablet or computer, or to print. Best viewed on a tablet.
Is this only relevant to women in the UK?
No. It covers both UK and US research, and the toolkit works wherever you get your care.
Does it cover HRT?
Yes. It explains the prescribing gap and what the treatment research says, so you can have an informed conversation with your doctor.
I had surgery for fibroids. Is this relevant?
Yes. Fibroids and surgical menopause have their own chapter, including what to ask before any operation.
Is this medical advice?
No. It's educational information, written in plain English. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing any medication, supplement or treatment.
Pairs well with
Walk into your next appointment unshrinkable.
Unshrunk & Upwards: the evidence-based guide for Black women in menopause.
Instant PDF download. Educational information, not medical advice.