Fibroids are one of the most common health conditions affecting women, yet for many Black women, the experience is often more severe, more disruptive, and more likely to be overlooked.

By age 50, approximately 80% of Black women will develop fibroids. While fibroids affect women across all racial and ethnic groups, research consistently shows that Black women experience them differently and often face greater challenges in receiving timely diagnosis and treatment. Understanding these differences is an important step toward improving care, increasing awareness, and helping women advocate for better outcomes.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. Some women never experience symptoms, while others find that fibroids significantly affect their health, energy, comfort, and quality of life.

For Black women, fibroids often develop at younger ages, frequently appearing in their 30s rather than their 40s. They are also more likely to be larger, more numerous, and associated with more severe symptoms. As a result, fibroids can have a significant impact during some of a woman’s busiest years, affecting work, family life, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

When Symptoms Become Life-Altering

Fibroids are not always just an inconvenience. For many women, they can interfere with daily life in meaningful ways.

Common symptoms may include heavy menstrual bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, abdominal enlargement or bloating, and discomfort during exercise or everyday activities. For some women, the fatigue caused by chronic blood loss alone can be debilitating. Others find themselves planning their schedules around heavy periods or struggling with symptoms that affect their confidence, comfort, and ability to participate fully in daily life.

“Too often, Black women are told to simply live with symptoms that are disrupting their health and quality of life. Heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and severe discomfort deserve evaluation, answers, and appropriate treatment.”

— Dr. Kudzai Dombo

The Problem With “Just Deal With It”

One of the most concerning challenges is that many Black women have their symptoms minimized or normalized. Heavy periods may be dismissed as something women simply need to manage. Pelvic pain may be attributed to stress or considered part of normal aging. Women are often advised to use larger pads, take iron supplements, or wait and see if symptoms improve.

Unfortunately, delays in diagnosis can allow fibroids to continue growing, which may limit treatment options later. By the time many women receive answers, they are often dealing with larger fibroids, worsening symptoms, and fewer choices.

Understanding the Treatment Gap

Research has shown that Black women are more likely to undergo hysterectomy as treatment for fibroids. While hysterectomy can be an appropriate and effective option for some women, disparities in diagnosis, access to care, and awareness of alternatives may contribute to higher rates of surgery.

Earlier diagnosis often creates more opportunities to explore treatment options, including approaches that preserve fertility or avoid more invasive procedures. This is why awareness matters. The sooner women understand what symptoms to watch for, the sooner they can begin important conversations with their healthcare providers and explore the full range of available options.

Advocating for Your Health

Heavy bleeding that affects daily life is not something you should have to simply tolerate. Persistent pelvic pain deserves evaluation, and changes in your body that interfere with your wellbeing deserve attention.

Dr. Dombo encourages women to trust their instincts and advocate for themselves when something feels wrong. Questions are worth asking. Symptoms are worth investigating. And every woman deserves a provider who takes her concerns seriously and helps her understand her options.

Moving the Conversation Forward

Fibroids are incredibly common, but the disparities surrounding diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes deserve far greater attention. Increasing awareness helps women recognize symptoms earlier, seek care sooner, and make informed decisions about their health.

Because symptoms that interfere with your energy, comfort, and quality of life are not something you simply have to live with. They deserve answers, they deserve options, and they deserve care.

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Related Pillars of The Hukadzi Way™

• Hormones
• Healthspan

Learn more about The Hukadzi Way™ and Dr. Dombo’s whole-woman approach to midlife wellness.

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