Fibroid Awareness Month

July is Fibroid Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and supporting the millions of women who are suffering from uterine fibroids.

Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the uterus of women of childbearing age and are almost always benign. While most fibroids may not cause symptoms, some may cause abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, enlargement of the lower abdomen, frequent urination, complications with pregnancy, reproductive problems, and more.

According to the HHS Office on Women’s Health, about 20-80% of women develop fibroids by the time they reach age 50. Additionally, a study done by researchers at the University of Michigan found that Black women are diagnosed with fibroids roughly three times as frequently as white women. Black women also develop fibroids earlier in life and tend to experience larger and more numerous fibroids that cause more severe symptoms.

Potential structural and social determinants of health factors driving fibroid disparities still need further research. Participating in clinical trials can also help doctors learn more about safe treatments for fibroids. Visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Women's Health Diverse Women in Clinical Trials webpage to learn more about participating in a clinical trial and to find a study.

Also visit the FDA Office of Women’s Health website to access their fact sheet on uterine fibroids that explains what uterine fibroids are, their symptoms, and other important information. The fact sheet is available in multiple languages.

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/uterine-fibroids