Introduction Vasomotor symptoms of menopause could affect the quality-of-life of most women. The understanding of menopause by African women and the coping mechanisms of these women are essential factors that may be influenced by culture and traditions. This study has evaluated the psychosomatic and sociodemographic profiles of menopausal black South African women in order to ascertain the role played by their culture and traditions during the menopausal years. Materials and methods The study was carried out at three periurban districts close to the city of Pretoria, South Africa. A qualitative, prospective, community-based, cohort study was conducted over a 2-year period. The targeted population included women between 40 and 80 years, and each woman was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data on sociodemographic, psychosomatic profiles of the women as well as cultural and traditional beliefs relating to menopause were documented. The data from the study were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results Totally, 450 women were interviewed: 250 (perimenopausal) and 200 (postmenopausal). The ages of the women ranged between 42.5 and 50.8 years (perimenopausal) and between 51.5 and 68.4 years for postmenopausal women. Only 20% of the women interviewed for the study had no formal education and 78% of them were financially independent. The percentage of the women who had an understanding of menopause and expressed cultural explanations for it was 96%. The women explained the impact of support systems on which they relied and by which their attitudes toward menopause were greatly influenced. Knowledge of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its importance in the alleviation of vasomotor symptomatology ranged between 80 and 84%, yet the women were reluctant to seek medical remedy for their vasomotor symptoms. Conclusion The study provides insight into the impact that traditions and culture of black South African women have on their capacity to cope with menopause. How to cite this article Matsela L, Towobola O, Mokgokong ET. Knowledge and Attitudes of Black South African Women toward Menopause: Impact of Culture and Traditions. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2017;5(2):117-122.

Aim The study was conducted to ascertain the severity of the occurrence of osteopenia and osteoporosis among black South African women during their transition from premenopause to postmenopause. Materials and methods Sixty-eight black South African women, aged between 32 and 77 years, residents of three districts of Pretoria, South Africa, constituted the participants in the study. Following informed consent, the women were randomly recruited and assessed for age, medical history, and lifestyle data. Each woman was classified as being premenopause, perimenopause, or postmenopause based on her menstrual history within the preceding 12 months to the study. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the L1-L4 vertebrae and the hip vertebrae was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) method and the results were expressed as T-scores based on World Health Organization (WHO) classifications for osteopenia and osteoporosis. Results Osteopenia was found in 2 of the 8 (25%) premenopausal women aged 37 and 38 years. Similarly, 2 perimenopausal women out of the 28 (7.1%), aged 45 and 49 years, also had evidence of osteopenia. Among 32 postmenopausal women, 11 (34.4%) had osteopenia and 8 (25%) were diagnosed with osteoporosis. There was no statistical significant difference (p = 0.0832) for osteopenia between premenopausal and perimenopausal women. However, the incidence of osteopenia became statistically significant between premenopausal and postmenopausal women (p = 0.0137), and between perimenopausal and postmenopausal women (p = 0.0218). Conclusion Even from this small cohort study, it is apparent that osteoporosis does afflict postmenopausal black South African women. The need to institute screening strategies and appropriate guidance to prevent osteoporosis in these women is strongly advocated. Clinical significance The study draws special attention to the necessity to investigate black South African women for early detection of osteopenia and osteoporosis. How to cite this article Matsela L, Towobola O, Mokgokong ET. Osteoporosis in Black South African Women: Myth or Reality. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2017;5(2):111-116. Source of support The authors herewith express their gratitude to both MSD (South Africa) and the South African Menopause Society for their financial donations, which enabled the DEXA evaluations of participants in this study.