I was JUST diagnosed with "multiple" fibroids at the end of Feb. I am in the midst of my next steps and options. I was thrilled to stumble across your post! It helps to not feel alone.
Thank you, Lupita, for sharing your story. Mine began with severe menstrual pain from the very onset of my period — pain that only worsened over time. Yet I wasn’t diagnosed with fibroids until I was 30, when I was trying to conceive. Having relocated to Switzerland for my university studies, I was fortunate to have access to quality gynaecological care. I still remember the male radiologist who read my MRI scan remarking that I was a “top manufacturer of fibroids.”
Following my diagnosis, I underwent a myomectomy — but the fibroids returned quickly and aggressively. Before I turned 40, I was advised to have a hysterectomy. It didn’t feel right to remove my uterus at that age, so I chose to wait, hoping that the menopause would shrink the fibroids and halt their growth. By 50, however, I was still menstruating and still suffering. My uterus had grown to over 20 cm — more than four times the normal size — and the impact on every aspect of my life had become undeniable.
I decided it was time to act. After thoroughly researching my options and their side effects, I chose uterine artery embolisation (UAE) rather than a hysterectomy. Within three months of the procedure, the fibroids had shrunk significantly and my uterus was half its previous size — and it continues to shrink. As an active, sport-loving woman, UAE was the right fit for me, and I am very pleased with the results.
My hope is that more women are made aware that this option exists.
Lupita's quote, "I felt shame... What did I do to cause them? And then I felt very alone and quite scared for my reproductive health," really resonated with me. When I was diagnosed with ovarian cysts at 13, one of my first thoughts was also, "What did I do wrong?" I remember wondering how this could happen if I was healthy, and feeling scared about what it meant for my future. Reading her words reminded me how common those feelings are, even though reproductive health conditions are so often outside of our control.
I'm especially grateful that such a big name is speaking publicly about fibroids. Black women are disproportionately affected, yet these conversations—and the research behind them—have historically received far too little attention. Stories like hers help replace shame with understanding and remind people that they are not alone.
I have had a history of fibroids since age 14 when I had my 1st myomectomy for a "melon" sized one. Another "orange" at 37 between my 1st and 2nd pregnancy via IVF for "unexplained infertility". I am in menopause now and have more but am on oestrogen and wonder if this will acerbate them....having also had 3 c-sections I don't know if they could operate on this site again if needed. Good to have this discussion...its always been just get on with it, they have no bearing on anything approach. FYI Mediterranean diet (less red meat) and water seemed to help with the monthly pain.
I am 41, south asian with no children, I was in a similar journey. 2020 I got a myomectomy to remove ~500gms of fibroids. 2023 I got diagonised again that the fibroids are back. By end of 2024 to all 2025, my health deterioated and my quality of life was very poor. Finally at the end of 2025, I made the call to remove my utereus (total hysterocotomy). It was hard to get here, find acceptance etc., but today I am at peace and I am more happy & healthy physically and mentally.
I was JUST diagnosed with "multiple" fibroids at the end of Feb. I am in the midst of my next steps and options. I was thrilled to stumble across your post! It helps to not feel alone.
Thank you, Lupita, for sharing your story. Mine began with severe menstrual pain from the very onset of my period — pain that only worsened over time. Yet I wasn’t diagnosed with fibroids until I was 30, when I was trying to conceive. Having relocated to Switzerland for my university studies, I was fortunate to have access to quality gynaecological care. I still remember the male radiologist who read my MRI scan remarking that I was a “top manufacturer of fibroids.”
Following my diagnosis, I underwent a myomectomy — but the fibroids returned quickly and aggressively. Before I turned 40, I was advised to have a hysterectomy. It didn’t feel right to remove my uterus at that age, so I chose to wait, hoping that the menopause would shrink the fibroids and halt their growth. By 50, however, I was still menstruating and still suffering. My uterus had grown to over 20 cm — more than four times the normal size — and the impact on every aspect of my life had become undeniable.
I decided it was time to act. After thoroughly researching my options and their side effects, I chose uterine artery embolisation (UAE) rather than a hysterectomy. Within three months of the procedure, the fibroids had shrunk significantly and my uterus was half its previous size — and it continues to shrink. As an active, sport-loving woman, UAE was the right fit for me, and I am very pleased with the results.
My hope is that more women are made aware that this option exists.
Lupita's quote, "I felt shame... What did I do to cause them? And then I felt very alone and quite scared for my reproductive health," really resonated with me. When I was diagnosed with ovarian cysts at 13, one of my first thoughts was also, "What did I do wrong?" I remember wondering how this could happen if I was healthy, and feeling scared about what it meant for my future. Reading her words reminded me how common those feelings are, even though reproductive health conditions are so often outside of our control.
I'm especially grateful that such a big name is speaking publicly about fibroids. Black women are disproportionately affected, yet these conversations—and the research behind them—have historically received far too little attention. Stories like hers help replace shame with understanding and remind people that they are not alone.
I have had a history of fibroids since age 14 when I had my 1st myomectomy for a "melon" sized one. Another "orange" at 37 between my 1st and 2nd pregnancy via IVF for "unexplained infertility". I am in menopause now and have more but am on oestrogen and wonder if this will acerbate them....having also had 3 c-sections I don't know if they could operate on this site again if needed. Good to have this discussion...its always been just get on with it, they have no bearing on anything approach. FYI Mediterranean diet (less red meat) and water seemed to help with the monthly pain.
I am 41, south asian with no children, I was in a similar journey. 2020 I got a myomectomy to remove ~500gms of fibroids. 2023 I got diagonised again that the fibroids are back. By end of 2024 to all 2025, my health deterioated and my quality of life was very poor. Finally at the end of 2025, I made the call to remove my utereus (total hysterocotomy). It was hard to get here, find acceptance etc., but today I am at peace and I am more happy & healthy physically and mentally.