‘You Should Not Normalize Pain’: Celebs Share Uterine Fibroid Symptoms You Can’t Ignore
Stars like Venus Williams and ABC News anchor Linsey Davis are speaking out
Ever been told your very real symptoms of pain or fatigue were simply a normal part of aging or menopause? Us too. All too often, early warning signs of more serious medical issues are written off as minor issues. And that’s especially true for women experiencing uterine fibroid symptoms.
Up to 80 percent of women are affected by fibroids by age 50, but many go undiagnosed—or are misdiagnosed—in part because the symptoms are easy to dismiss and also because smaller uterine fibroids can be hard to spot during exams. But more women are speaking out about the condition and the early warning signs they noticed. Here we share the important uterine fibroid symptoms you need to know, plus the women bringing the condition into the spotlight.
Celebs are sharing their uterine fibroid symptoms
Last month, tennis star Venus Williams spoke about the symptoms medical professionals ignored before she was diagnosed with uterine fibroids.
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“My symptoms were extreme pain,” Williams said in an interview with Today. “You know, getting so much in pain that maybe you throw up. Or you can’t get off the ground. I missed practices because of that. Just, you know, hugging the toilet.”
Despite the severity of her symptoms, Williams was told what she was experiencing was not out of the ordinary. “One doctor told me, at the time I was maybe 37, he said ‘this is a part of aging. This is normal,’” Williams said. Another doctor recommended she get a hysterectomy. Ultimately, she finally found a doctor who took her concerns seriously and was able to perform a myomectomy, or removal of fibroids from the uterus.
And Williams isn’t the only one speaking about uterine fibroid symptoms. Earlier this month, ABC News anchor Linsey Davis spoke about her experience with the condition alongside Tamar Braxton and Cynthia Bailey, both of whom also have uterine fibroids.
“You should not normalize pain.” —Esohe Faith Ohuoba, MD
In the conversation, Davis shared that one of her symptoms was bloating, which led people on social media to question if she was pregnant. “It was such an embarrassing moment … but it is a pouch that, you know, happens” to women with fibroids sometimes, said Davis.
What are uterine fibroids?
“Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors of the uterus made of muscle and fibrous tissue,” says Esohe Faith Ohuoba, MD, MPH, a board certified ob-gyn at Memorial Hermann Health System. “They can range in size from a seed to a melon, and they can be asymptomatic or cause severe symptoms like pain and heavy bleeding. An estimated up to 70 percent of women will develop fibroids by age 50, the percentage increases to 80 percent for Black women.”
Why Black women are diagnosed at a higher rate
Dr. Ohuoba explained why Black women are more likely to develop uterine fibroids compared to women of other races. “Some causes that influence Black women being diagnosed at a higher rate are due to health inequities and racial bias,” says Dr. Ohuoba. “Additional causes include genetics, vitamin D deficiency, chronic stress and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (e.g., in hair products).”
“Unfortunately there are several factors like access to healthcare, culturally-competent healthcare providers, etc. that lead to many Black women receiving a delayed diagnosis, which often leads to larger fibroids, more severe symptoms and treatment recommendations, like a hysterectomy,” adds Dr. Ohuoba.
Uterine fibroid symptoms to watch for
Who’s most at risk? Those with a family history of uterine fibroids, Black women, obese women, those with high blood pressure (hypertension) and women who have never been pregnant. While uterine fibroids tend to grow in women of childbearing age, they can sometimes shrink after menopause. Whatever your age or risk factors, Dr. Ohuoba says women should be aware of these important symptoms of uterine fibroids:
Pelvic pressure or pain
“Studies show that around 30 percent of women with uterine fibroids report pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort,” says Dr. Ohuoba. “Because of the size and location, fibroids can lead to a persistent pressure or pain, which should never be present.”
Constipation
“Because fibroids can grow large enough to press on the bowel and intestines, this can often lead to constipation and other digestive issues,” says Dr. Ohuoba.
Irregular or heavy periods
“Heavy menstrual bleeding and a long-lasting menstrual cycle of more than seven days” may be symptoms of uterine fibroids, Dr. Ohuoba says, as well as bleeding between periods. “Unfortunately, some women aren’t as aware that heavy bleeding that requires frequent changing of sanitary pads or tampons can be a leading indicator of the presence of fibroids.”
Fatigue
“Because of heavy menstrual bleeding, many with fibroids experience increased levels of fatigue because of the blood loss,” says Dr. Ohuoba, which may contribute to anemia. (See the anemia symptoms you should never ignore here.)
Pain during sex
“Painful intercourse is not typically considered normal, and in most cases, there is something causing the pain,” says Dr. Ohuoba.
Not all women experience symptoms
While these are all symptoms that can clue you into uterine fibroids, Dr. Ohuoba notes that you could have the condition without symptoms. “It is important to know that not all fibroids cause symptoms,” says Dr. Ohuoba. “Various studies have shown that approximately 50 to 75 percent of women with uterine fibroids do not experience any symptoms.”
At the end of the day, if you think you have uterine fibroid symptoms, it’s worth speaking to a medical professional. Your healthcare provider may order an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to check for fibroids in the uterine cavity.
“It is important to remember that you are not alone,” Dr. Ohuoba says. “Remember, you should not normalize pain. When persistent pain is present, you should seek answers. There are multiple treatment options available, and your care should align with your life. You are your greatest advocate.”
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