According to a study found in the NCBI Bookshelf, an estimated 26 million women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 50 have uterine fibroids, and over 15 million of them experience symptoms or health concerns. The New York State Department of Health says that 20–25% of women of reproductive age have fibroids, and up to 80% of Black women and 70% of white women have them by age 50.
The month of July is Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month, and it is a very important month to raise awareness about a health issue that affects millions of people, including me. As a Co-Founder of PEP!IN, I want to share my journey with uterine fibroids because, like so many others, having this condition has had a profound impact on my maternal health journey. Although uterine fibroids are a common health issue that affects many women, there is still so much to learn about them. I hope that by sharing my story, I can help raise awareness and provide support to others who may be experiencing similar challenges. This blog will explore what fibroids are, their potential health impacts, and highlight PEP!IN’s mission to support people through clinical research and ongoing studies aimed at improving treatment and care for conditions like fibroids.
The month of July is Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month, and it is a very important month to raise awareness about a health issue that affects millions of people, including me. As a Co-Founder of PEP!IN, I want to share my journey with uterine fibroids because like so many others, having this condition has had a profound impact on my maternal health journey. Although uterine fibroids are a common health issue that affects many women, there is still so much to learn about them. I hope that by sharing my story, I can help raise awareness and provide support to others who may be experiencing similar challenges. This blog will explore what fibroids are, their potential health impacts, and highlight PEP!IN’s mission to support people through clinical research and ongoing studies aimed at improving treatment and care for conditions like fibroids.
What are Uterine Fibroids? Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. These growths are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size from tiny seedlings to large masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. While fibroids are generally benign, they can cause significant discomfort and complications for many women.
Can Fibroids Turn into Cancer? Fibroids are almost always benign. In rare cases (less than one in 1,000), a cancerous fibroid known as leiomyosarcoma can develop. Current research suggests that these cancers do not arise from pre-existing fibroids. Having fibroids does not increase the risk of developing cancerous fibroids or other forms of uterine cancer. This understanding can provide relief to many women diagnosed with fibroids, allowing them to focus on managing symptoms and exploring treatment options (source: Mayo Clinic).
How are They Usually Diagnosed? Diagnosis of fibroids often begins with a pelvic exam, where a doctor can feel fibroids as lumps or masses on the uterus. Confirmatory imaging tests include:
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create an image.
MRI: Uses magnets and radio waves for detailed imaging.
X-rays: Provides images using radiation.
CT scan: Combines multiple X-ray pictures for a comprehensive image.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or Sonohysterogram: Involves injecting dye or water into the uterus for detailed imaging.
In some cases, surgical procedures like laparoscopy or hysteroscopy may be necessary for accurate diagnosis (source: Cleveland Clinic).
Treatment Options for Fibroids: Treatment for fibroids varies based on symptoms, fibroid size and location, and reproductive goals. Options include:
Medications: To reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and manage pain.
Non-surgical procedures: Such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), which blocks blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
Surgical options: Including myomectomy (removal of fibroids) and hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) (source: National Institutes of Health).
My Journey with Fibroids: My experience with fibroids began unexpectedly after I received a massage. During the massage, I began to feel very uncomfortable. The masseuse said, if after the massage you feel pain, you'll know that something is wrong and you need to go to the doctor. I thought to myself, "well, of course, if it doesn't feel right, I'll need to go to the doctor, but I came here to relax, not for more pain!" Later that day, I was buckled over in excruciating pain in my abdomen. I called every office I could find until someone would take me the next day, and I was finally able to get into a clinic for an exam. The exam confirmed the presence of fibroids, prompting me to consult multiple doctors. Initially, I was introduced to the option of laparoscopic ablation, but I hesitated due to concerns about the potential risk of spreading cancerous cells if the fibroids were cut open. Research indicates that this risk, although minimal, is a consideration for some patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures (source: American College of Obstretrics and Gynecology).
After years of monitoring, my fibroids multiplied, particularly as stress grew in my life, causing my uterus to enlarge to the size of someone who was five-months pregnant. I experienced severe symptoms, including cramping, heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure on other organs, which impacted my ability to eat and hold food. Although my abdomen was growing, I was losing weight and had become severely anemic. It got to a point where I would lock myself in the bathroom at work because the bleeding was almost uncontrollable. After taking a leave of absence, I made the decision to face my fear of surgery, and I found one of the top doctors in Chicago to perform my myomectomy. Dr. Abraham Shashoua had performed countless procedures for women with fibroids, especially Black women. He knew that I had a desire to carry children, and he, therefore, recommended that I choose the myomectomy due to the size of my fibroids, their location, and most importantly my desire to have children. He told me that after the surgery, I'd be on a time clock to have children or freeze my eggs and I'd need to go to see a fertility doctor, not only due to the fibroids but also my age. Unfortunately, my body had other plans. I later required laparoscopic surgery to remove two more smaller fibroids, and this led to more time in which I simply had no interest in carrying a child due to all the things that had already been going on with my body.
Today, four years after the laparoscopic surgery, the fibroids have returned and again I face the challenging decision of whether to undergo a full hysterectomy or another surgery in my early 40s. It may be possible that if I wanted to, I could potentially have another surgery and try to freeze my now "geriatric eggs," but I have come to accept that there are other ways that I could potentially become a mother or care for a child. Although that wasn't my first choice, it is one that I have come to not only accept but appreciate. My journey underscores the importance of personalized care and the need for ongoing research into fibroid treatments. It also underscores why it is even more important for women and people of color to get involved in clinical research so that we can learn more and find a cure for this condition.
Exploring Non-Surgical Options: I initially considered UFE, a non-surgical procedure performed by interventional radiologists that has been a viable option for over 20 years. UFE blocks the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink and alleviating symptoms without major surgery (source: Society of Interventional Radiology). However, other options like taking a more holistic and natural approach to managing my fibroids is something that I am also exploring to help reduce symptoms and potentially shrink my fibroids. Here is some information I've been given regarding some of those supportive lifestyle changes:
Increase Fruits and Vegetables: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help balance hormones and reduce inflammation.
Reduce Red Meat and Processed Foods: Limiting red meat and processed foods can lower estrogen levels, which may contribute to fibroid growth.
Incorporate Whole Grains: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin spikes.
Herbal Remedies:
Green Tea: Contains antioxidants that may help reduce the size of fibroids.
Chasteberry (Vitex): Known to balance hormones and reduce symptoms associated with fibroids.
Milk Thistle: Supports liver function, which can help in the detoxification of excess estrogen.
Exercise and Stress Management:
Regular Exercise: Helps maintain a healthy weight and balance hormones.
Stress Reduction Techniques: Practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help lower stress levels, which can influence hormone balance.
Supplements:
Vitamin D: Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of fibroids.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, these can help reduce inflammation and hormone imbalances.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine:
Acupuncture: May help balance the body’s energy and reduce symptoms.
Herbal Formulas: Prescribed by a licensed practitioner to address hormone imbalances and support overall health.
While these approaches can be beneficial, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or supplement regimen.
PEP!IN's Mission and Support: At PEP!IN, we are dedicated to increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in clinical research but also telling real stories of real people. We aim to support people like myself by providing information, resources, and access to ongoing clinical studies. Our mission is to ensure that all people especially those from underrepresented communities, have access to the best possible care and treatment options.
Conclusion: Understanding fibroids and knowing the available treatment options can empower women to make informed decisions about their health. My journey highlights the importance of seeking information, exploring alternatives, and finding support. PEP!IN remains committed to supporting women and others through their health journeys and advancing clinical research to improve outcomes for all.
For more information on current studies and how to participate, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a diagnosis, For more, read our full disclaimer.
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