Published: March 21, 2025
Uterine fibroids are a serious health issue, especially for Black women. Even though these growths aren’t cancerous, they can cause intense pain, heavy periods, and problems with getting pregnant. In this article, we’ll walk through what fibroids are, why they impact Black women more, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to take action.
Listen to the Podcast about Uterine Fibroids: The Silent Health Crisis Impacting Black Women
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are growths that form in or around the uterus. Think of them as muscle lumps—some tiny, others quite large. Some women don’t even know they have them, but for others, fibroids can seriously affect day-to-day life.
Why Are Black Women Affected More?
Research shows that over 80% of Black women will develop fibroids by age 50. That’s a lot higher than other groups. Even by age 30, about 25% of Black women have fibroids—compared to just 6% of white women.
By age 35:
- 60% of Black women have fibroids
- Only 40% of white women do
This means Black women are not only more likely to get fibroids, but they also get them earlier and with worse symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Fibroids
Every woman’s experience is different, but here are some of the most common signs that fibroids may be present:
- Heavy or long periods – bleeding that lasts more than 7 days or requires frequent pad/tampon changes every 1-2 hours.
- Pelvic pain – a constant ache or pressure in your lower belly that doesn’t go away.
- Frequent urination – feeling like you need to use the bathroom more than 8 times a day or waking up multiple times at night to go.
- Pain during sex – discomfort or even sharp pain during intimacy.
- Fatigue – especially if you lose too much blood and become anemic (low iron).
- Trouble getting pregnant – fibroids can sometimes block the fallopian tubes or interfere with implantation.
What Causes Fibroids?
Doctors aren’t totally sure what causes fibroids, but several things might raise your risk:
- Family history – if your mom or sister had fibroids, you might too.
- Hormones – fibroids grow in response to estrogen, a female hormone.
- Hair products – some studies link chemical hair relaxers to higher fibroid risk.
- Stress – long-term stress, including racism, may impact your body and increase inflammation.
- Vitamin D – Black women often have lower levels, and this may play a role in fibroid development.
Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best treatment depends on your symptoms, your age, and whether you want to have children in the future.
Medical Treatments for Uterine Fibroids:
- Birth control pills – these can help lighten periods and reduce cramping, but they don’t shrink fibroids.
- Hormone therapy – medications like GnRH agonists can temporarily shrink fibroids by putting your body in a low-hormone state (like menopause), but symptoms often return when you stop the medicine.
- Iron supplements – if you have anemia from blood loss, these can help restore your energy.
- Pain relievers – over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation, though they don’t treat the fibroids themselves.
Surgical Options for Uterine Fibroids:
- Myomectomy – surgery to remove the fibroids but leave the uterus in place. This is a good choice for women who want to have children later.
- Hysterectomy – surgery to remove the uterus. This is the only treatment that guarantees fibroids won’t come back, but it means you can no longer become pregnant.
- Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) – a procedure that blocks blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. It’s less invasive than surgery, but not recommended for women planning to get pregnant.
Why Aren’t Black Women Diagnosed Sooner?
Black women often face barriers that delay diagnosis:
- Doctors may not take their symptoms seriously or assume they’re normal.
- Some women think painful periods are just part of life and delay seeking care.
- Lack of insurance, time, or trust in the healthcare system can also make it harder to get help early.
How to Speak Up for Your Health
Your voice matters. Here are some tips to advocate for your well-being:
- Tell your doctor clearly about your symptoms and how they affect your life.
- Ask about ALL your options—not just surgery.
- Connect with others who are going through the same thing, like support groups or online communities.
- Choose providers who respect and listen to you.
- Learn what puts you at risk so you can make informed decisions.
Final Thoughts Fibroids are common—but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. They can seriously affect your body, emotions, and life. If you’re a Black woman, it’s even more important to be aware, ask questions, and seek support. Awareness is power. Share what you learn. You’re not alone—and you deserve care that sees and hears you.