Slide 2: The Connection Between Reproductive & Mental Health

Black people of all genders experience PCOS & Endometriosis, but Black women and gender-expansive individuals are often underdiagnosed or dismissed.

Chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, and medical racism contribute to higher anxiety & depression rates among Black individuals.

Research shows Black people with PCOS have a 40% higher chance of depression, yet mental health care is rarely included in treatment plans.

Black trans and nonbinary folks face even greater medical barriers, including providers who don’t understand how gender-affirming care interacts with reproductive conditions.

The Issue: Racism, sexism, and transphobia intersect in reproductive healthcare, leading to misdiagnosis, dismissal of pain, and untreated mental health struggles.

Slide 3: Statistics & Disparities

By the Numbers:

PCOS affects ~10% of people with uteruses, but Black individuals are 50% less likely to be diagnosed than white counterparts.

Endometriosis takes 8-10 years on average to be diagnosed in Black people due to medical bias.

40% of people with PCOS experience depression & anxiety.

Black trans and nonbinary people with PCOS often struggle to access gender-affirming care that takes their reproductive health into account.

38% of Black trans people report avoiding care due to discrimination.

Over 50% of Black LGBTQ+ people report poor mental health due to medical trauma and systemic inequities.

Black women, trans, and nonbinary people deserve reproductive care that affirms their identities and mental well-being.

Slide 4: Healing & Support Recommendations

Holistic Support for Black Mental & Reproductive Health:

Advocate for yourself: Find culturally competent and gender-affirming providers who respect your identity and listen to your concerns.

Therapy & Support Groups: Seek out spaces that center Black reproductive justice and LGBTQ+ health.

Nourish & Move: Anti-inflammatory foods, herbal support, and movement can ease symptoms and boost mental health.

Mind-Body Healing: Yoga, meditation, and breathwork can help with stress, anxiety, and dysphoria.

Policy & Community Action: Advocate for inclusive medical research, better healthcare access, and protections against medical racism & transphobia.

Slide 5: Call to Action & Resources

Your health matters! Black women, trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people deserve affirming, quality care.

Resources for Black Mental & Reproductive Health:

@beamorg

@blackwomenshealthimperative

@theendo.co

@pcoschallenge

@forblacktransliberation