Olympian and life coach Michelle Griffith-Robinson, from Wembley, has spoken out about her experiences with perimenopause, highlighting the unique challenges Black women face during this transition.
Sharing her journey, Michelle noted the importance of “representation” in health discussions and raised awareness of the disparities that Black women encounter.
At 53, Michelle, a former triple jumper, discussed how she used her “Olympic mindset” to confront the effects of menopause on her identity and marriage. She first noticed signs of perimenopause at 46, including irregular periods and changes in her emotional state. “I began to notice irregular periods, but what really stood out was that I was beginning to lose my sense of self,” she said. “Normally, I’m a very positive and upbeat person, but suddenly I felt heavy, sensitive and overly serious. The pivotal moment came when my periods changed, and I noticed dark bleeding. But even when I visited my doctor they didn’t mention perimenopause; instead, they focused on other issues.”
Michelle stressed the importance of tracking symptoms, including physical changes, mood shifts, and relationship impacts. “For me, the realisation hit hard when I lost interest in intimacy with my husband. That wasn’t us, and it prompted me to dig deeper,” she said.
Statistics show that Black women experience menopause on average 8.5 months earlier than white women and often face more severe symptoms, yet they are less likely to receive support. Michelle reflected on cultural factors contributing to this issue, explaining that many Black women are taught to keep personal matters private. “Growing up, my mum was my hero – she was fantastic. But she was also the ‘just get on with it’ type, because that’s what she knew. And that mindset has been passed down through generations,” she said.
Highlighting healthcare disparities, Michelle added that many Black women still face mistrust toward the healthcare system, with fewer Black doctors and professionals visible in the public eye. “There are very few Black doctors that come to mind – especially in the media or in the public eye. There are more now, but trust me, six years ago it was very limited.”
With a goal of increasing visibility and fostering trust, Michelle stated, “Representation matters. When you see faces like yours in health discussions, it fosters trust. My role as a 53-year-old perimenopausal woman is to seize opportunities and advocate for change.”
Michelle’s story coincides with World Menopause Day on October 18 and serves as a call to raise awareness of women’s health, especially in underserved communities.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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