Fibroids disproportionately affect Black women.

Risk factors may include, family history of fibroids, obesity, and diet high in red meat.

Common fibroid symptoms include, heavy or prolonged periods, bleeding between periods, abdominal discomfort, pelvic pain, lower back pain, bladder symptoms, and bowel symptoms.

20% to 50% of women of reproductive age currently have fibroids.

Up to 77% of women will develop fibroids sometime during their childbearing years.

Fibroids may be diagnosed through pelvic exam, pelvic ultrasound, MRI, Hysterosalpingography or Hysteroscopy.

Changing the shape of the cervix affecting the number of sperm that can enter the uterus.

Changing the shape of the uterus interfering with the movement of the sperm or embryo.

Blocking the fallopian tubes, stopping sperm from reaching the eggs

Changing the size of the lining of the uterine cavity, reducing the chance of a successful pregnancy

Affecting blood flow to the uterine cavity impacting the ability of an embryo to stick (implant) to the uterine wall or to develop.

Increase risk of preterm birth or miscarriage and cesarean section.

Affect the growth and positioning of the baby.

Grow, typically during the first trimester.

Shrink or Resolve. A study found that approximately 76% of fibroids reduce in dimension by the postpartum period, and 36% that appeared in early pregnancy resolve.

Increase risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Be managed by Ob/Gyn during pregnancy.

1 in 4 women undergoing fibroid removal surgeries are anemic.

Hemoglobin less than 120g/L is considered anemic.

Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, shortage of breath, chest pain, and headaches.

Treatments include iron supplements and diet changes.

An Iron-rich diet including meat, poultry, leafy greens, and iron-fortified pastas can prevent anemia.

Ask your doctor to test you for anemia before and after fibroid removal procedures.

Pelvic pain, the most common symptom among women with uterine fibroids.

Chronic pain conditions.

Scar from fibroid removal surgery.

Fear of fibroids symptoms and their consequences, such as fertility and pregnancy complications.

Rates of diagnosed depression and anxiety lower in black women (Likely due to low reporting because of mental health stigma).

Therapy can help with coping with the emotional and mental stressors associated with a fibroids.

Diet and lifestyle affect BMI.

Diet and lifestyle play a role in fibroids development and growth.

Losing weight may help prevent or shrink fibroids.

Eating a healthy diet and being active can help with maintaining a healthy BMI and decrease fibroids risks.

Since high insulin (caused by an elevated sugar intake) can affect your weight, avoiding added sugar can be an added benefit.

Research all of the conditions that can contribute to fibroid development and make inform choices that can help you rid your body of fibroids naturally.