Fibroid Awareness: What Every Woman Needs to Know About These Silent Disruptors
If you’ve ever dealt with heavy periods, pelvic pain, or bloating that just won’t go away—you might’ve been told, “It’s just part of being a woman.” But sometimes, it’s more than that.
Let’s talk about fibroids.
These mostly benign (non-cancerous) tumors affect up to 70–80% of women by age 50. And yet, many suffer in silence, are misdiagnosed or dismissed.
As an OB-GYN and advocate for women’s health, I believe awareness is the first step to reclaiming control over your body. So let’s break down what fibroids really are, how they show up, and what you can do about them.
These benign (non-cancerous) tumors affect up to 70–80% of women by age 50. And yet, many suffer in silence, misdiagnosed or dismissed.
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids (also called leiomyomas or myomas) are growths that develop in or around the uterus. They’re made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size—from as small as a seed to larger than a grapefruit.
You can have one fibroid or many. They may grow slowly or rapidly, and their size doesn’t always reflect their impact. Some women have large fibroids with no symptoms, while others have small ones that disrupt their lives.
Common Symptoms of Fibroids
While not all fibroids cause symptoms, many do. The most common include:
Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
Pelvic pain or pressure
Bloating or a feeling of fullness
Frequent urination or trouble emptying the bladder
Pain during intercourse
Constipation
Lower back or leg pain
Difficulty conceiving or maintaining pregnancy
If your period is so heavy that you're changing protection every 1–2 hours or it's interfering with your daily life, that’s not normal—and it deserves medical attention.
How Do Fibroids Affect Fertility?
Not all fibroids interfere with fertility, but when they do, it’s usually due to their location.
Submucosal fibroids (inside the uterine cavity) can block implantation or increase miscarriage risk.
Intramural fibroids (in the uterine wall) may affect blood flow or distort the cavity.
Cervical fibroids can physically obstruct the cervical canal.
Women struggling with conception, repeated pregnancy loss, or undergoing IVF should be evaluated for fibroids as part of a comprehensive fertility workup.
Diagnosing Fibroids
Diagnosis typically starts with a pelvic exam and is confirmed with imaging such as:
Transvaginal ultrasound – The first line of assessment.
Saline-infused sonohysterography – Offers a clearer view of fibroids within the uterine cavity.
MRI – Provides detailed size and location data, helpful when planning surgery or advanced treatment.
If you’ve been told everything “looks fine” but still feel something’s off, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. You deserve answers.
Treatment Options for Fibroids
The good news? You have choices. Your treatment path depends on your symptoms, fertility goals, and how fibroids are affecting your life.
Lifestyle & Nutritional Support (For mild or stable fibroids)
Anti-inflammatory foods: leafy greens, berries, flaxseeds, turmeric
Limit red meat and processed food
Balance hormones naturally through stress management and sleep
Vitamin D: Research shows women with low vitamin D levels are more likely to have fibroids
While lifestyle changes won’t shrink fibroids, they can slow growth and help ease symptoms.
Medications
Birth control pills: Help regulate heavy bleeding but won’t shrink fibroids.
GnRH agonists (like Lupron): Temporarily reduce estrogen and shrink fibroids before surgery. Not for long-term use due to side effects.
Tranexamic acid: Non-hormonal medication that reduces menstrual bleeding.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): Cuts off blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink. Effective for many, but not ideal if you plan to get pregnant.
MRI-guided focused ultrasound (FUS): Non-invasive; uses sound waves to destroy fibroid tissue. Availability is limited.
Surgical Options
Myomectomy – Removes fibroids while preserving the uterus.
Ideal for women wanting future fertility.
Can be done laparoscopically, hysteroscopically, or through open surgery, depending on fibroid size and location.
Hysterectomy – Complete removal of the uterus.
The only definitive cure for fibroids.
Best for women with severe symptoms who do not plan to have children.
It’s not “extreme” to want relief. Choosing surgery is not a failure. It’s a powerful act of self-advocacy when quality of life is on the line.
Fibroids in Women of Color: A Disproportionate Burden
It’s important to note that Black women are more likely to develop fibroids—and often at a younger age, with larger and more numerous growths.
They’re also more likely to be dismissed or offered hysterectomy as the first option, rather than less invasive alternatives.
This is why advocacy and education are crucial. If this is your story, know that you have options, and you deserve a care team that respects your voice.
Final Thoughts: Your Body. Your Choices. Your Power.
Fibroids are common—but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. They can impact your energy, your relationships, your fertility, and your sense of self.
If something feels off, don’t minimize it. Trust your body. Ask questions. Keep asking until you get real answers.
You are not “overreacting.” You are not “too sensitive.”
You are a woman who deserves a life free from chronic pain, fatigue, and uncertainty.
Want to Learn More About How Your Hormones, Cycle, and Fibroids Are Connected?
Inside my Defy Menopause: Own the Change membership, we dig into root-cause answers to women’s health issues—fibroids included. You'll learn how to track your symptoms, build a care plan, and feel confident advocating for the treatments that align with your goals.
Because health isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving.
Let’s Connect
Schedule an Appointment | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Bona Dea Gynecology
