Cultural and lived experiences of menopause among women from Global Majority backgrounds in Western countries: a qualitative systematic review

Menopause is increasingly recognised as a significant stage of the female reproductive cycle; however, the experiences of women from Global Majority backgrounds (GMB) remain underrepresented within menopause research. To address this gap, this systematic literature review explored how women from Global Majority backgrounds living in Western countries perceive and experience menopause, and how cultural, social and structural factors shape these experiences. Multiple databases were searched in November 2025 for qualitative studies, or mixed-method studies with extractable qualitative findings. Eligible studies were appraised using the CASP qualitative checklist, and findings were synthesised using thematic synthesis. Fifteen studies conducted in US, Canada and Australia, involving women from East and Southeast Asian, South Asian, African American, Hispanic/Latina and Aboriginal backgrounds were included. Six interrelated themes were identified: menopause as a culturally constructed concept; as an embodied and identity-disrupting experience; the influence of social and gendered expectations; cultural and intersectional variation; coping strategies and healthcare navigation; and menopause as a potentially transformative life stage. Experiences were shaped by interactions among cultural beliefs, migration histories, family and community expectations, language barriers, socioeconomic circumstances and healthcare encounters. While some women described stigma, loss and disruption, others experienced greater freedom, resilience and personal transformation. These findings support the need for culturally responsive, intersectional menopause care that avoids cultural assumptions, attends to women's own understandings and treatment preferences, and strengthens clinicians' cultural awareness. Further research should include underrepresented groups and examine whether culturally adapted resources improve healthcare access, experiences and outcomes.