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Reproductive Aging Among Sexual Minority Women

  • Current Approaches to Managing Menopause (I. Alexander, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to provide readers with an overview of research on reproductive aging among sexual minority women (SMW; women who do not identify as exclusively heterosexual, and report same-sex sexual behaviors or same-sex attraction).

Recent Findings

SMW report health behaviors and risk profiles suggesting they may experience earlier onset of menopause and more severe menopause-related symptoms than heterosexual women. SMW may also have unique forms of resilience related to their sexual orientation that buffer the social-psychological stressors associated with menopause.

Summary

No systematic studies of sexual orientation–related disparities in menopause or its associated symptoms exist. More research is needed to understand the SMW’s unique forms of stress and coping mechanisms related to menopause.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, The University of Utah, 390 1530 E #301, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA

    Bethany G. Everett & Virginia Jenkins

  2. School of Nursing and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, 560 West 168th Street, New York City, NY, 10032, USA

    Tonda L. Hughes

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  1. Bethany G. Everett
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Correspondence to Virginia Jenkins.

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Everett, B.G., Jenkins, V. & Hughes, T.L. Reproductive Aging Among Sexual Minority Women. Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep 10, 31–37 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13669-021-00306-3

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