Fibroids Are Not A Life Sentence
You’ve been bleeding too long. Too heavy.
You cancel plans, call in sick, take medications that barely scratch the surface.
You’re bloated, tired, irritable, dizzy.
Doctors say “it’s normal.” But it isn’t. And deep down, you know it.
You feel like you’re dragging yourself through life with a weight strapped to your womb, because you are.
That weight? It has a name: fibroids.
What Are Fibroids, and Why Are They So Common in Black Women?
Fibroids — also called leiomyomas or myomas — are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They’re made of muscle tissue, and they feed on hormones like estrogen. Some women will only ever have one. Others will develop dozens. Some stay small. Others grow to the size of a watermelon.
They’re extremely common — but they hit Black and Caribbean women the hardest:
Approximately 80% of Black women will develop uterine fibroids by the age of 50, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This is significantly higher than the rate for white women, where roughly 70% develop fibroids by the same age.
We’re more likely to get them earlier, with bigger, more aggressive tumors
Black women are 3x more likely to be hospitalized, 7x more likely to undergo surgery, and 2x more likely to have hysterectomies due to fibroid-related complications
We report more severe pain, heavier bleeding, and worse anemia
Fibroids are also the leading cause of hysterectomy in the U.S. and that statistic disproportionately includes Black women
So why is no one talking about this?
Environmental & Hormonal Triggers: The Bigger Picture
Science hasn’t pinned down a single cause, but the picture is becoming clearer:
Black women are more heavily exposed to hormone-disrupting chemicals and it’s showing up in our wombs.These chemicals, called phthalates (or “plasticizers”), mimic estrogen and stimulate fibroid growth. They're found in:
Hair relaxers
Plastic food packaging
Makeup and skincare
Medical tubing and devices
Household cleaners and scented products
According to a 2020 study of over 38,000 women, Black women consistently show higher levels of exposure to these toxins including phthalates, mercury, arsenic, and pesticides. Add vitamin D deficiency, chronic stress, and limited access to quality reproductive care, and the load becomes unbearable.
⚠️ Symptoms to Never Ignore
If you're experiencing:
Heavy periods (bleeding longer than 7 days or soaking through pads hourly)
Large clots during menstruation
Bloating or abdominal swelling
Pelvic pressure or pain
Pain during sex
Constipation or frequent urination
Fatigue or dizziness (often caused by anemia)
Difficulty getting pregnant
🍵 3 Herbal Remedies That Can Help
Herbs can’t shrink massive fibroids overnight but they support the liver, reduce inflammation, ease pain, and regulate hormones, all of which can help manage symptoms.
1. Chadon Beni (Culantro)
Yes, the same leaf used to season your food. It’s anti-inflammatory, rich in iron, and supports blood cleansing.
🫖 Use: Steep 6–8 fresh leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink 2–3 times weekly, especially leading up to your period.
2. Ginger + Turmeric Tea
A potent combo for calming cramps, reducing inflammation, and supporting estrogen detox via the liver.
🫖 Use: Slice 1-inch of ginger and turmeric each. Boil for 15 minutes with a pinch of black pepper. Add lime or honey to taste.
3. Lemongrass (Fever Grass)
Detoxifying and calming. It helps reduce water retention and pelvic congestion.
🫖 Use: A handful of fresh leaves or 1 tbsp dried, boiled for 10–15 minutes. Sip warm or chilled throughout your cycle.
Eat for a Lighter Womb
What you eat can either feed your fibroids or starve them.
Focus on:
Leafy greens (callaloo, moringa, spinach)
Iron-rich foods (green bananas, lentils, pumpkin seeds, sea moss)
Omega-3s (avocado, flaxseed, sardines)
Whole foods (sweet potato, cassava, yam)
Herbs & spices (turmeric, garlic, Chadon Beni)
Avoid or limit:
Processed meats, cheese, condensed milk
Excess sugar and white flour
Plastic containers and Teflon pans
Frequent alcohol, especially sugary cocktails
Your womb is not a garbage bin. Feed it like it feeds you.
🧘🏽♀️ Gentle Daily Rituals
Castor oil packs: massage into your lower belly and apply warmth
Cycle tracking: identify symptom patterns to prep and plan
Movement: yoga, walking, light exercise
Sunlight + grounding: your body needs nature to heal
Rest: especially during your luteal and menstrual phases
🚨 When to See a Doctor
Natural remedies work best with early detection and good medical support.
Don’t wait until you collapse or can’t walk upright.
📍 Seek help if:
You’re soaking pads hourly
You pass clots bigger than a coin
You feel lightheaded or severely fatigued
You’re trying to conceive without success
You experience pelvic pressure daily
You’re emotionally worn down from chronic pain
Final Words
Your womb is not weak. It’s wounded.
Wounded by silence, by chemicals, by centuries of being ignored.
But healing is not just possible, it's necessary.
Fibroids may live in your body, but they don’t have to live in your spirit.