Over the past few weeks, I have talked to multiple women suffering from the same problem… FIBROIDS. This isn’t anything new. The majority of the women who contact me do so because they are experiencing symptoms related to their fibroids like heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, pain during ovulation, pain during sex, etc.
Fibroids are one of the main reasons why women get hysterectomies.
Research says that more than 80% of African-American women will develop fibroids at some point during their lifetime. It’s a bit hard to nail down definite numbers because only 20% to 50% of women with fibroids experience related symptoms. Plus, doctors do not routinely check for fibroids.
So what gives… Why are we [black women] suffering at higher rates and more severely? And what can be done about it? Keep reading… I’m gonna get all the way into it.
Fibroids + Black Women
Black women are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids than white women, and our fibroids tend to show up earlier, grow larger, and cause more severe symptoms. Yet we are consistently undertreated, dismissed, and sent home with birth control pills that do nothing but mask what is happening.
The reasons behind the disparity are layered. Chronic stress from racism and discrimination raises cortisol levels, which disrupts hormonal balance over time. Many of us have higher levels of estrogen dominance, which feeds fibroid growth. Environmental factors like hair relaxers and certain plastics contain estrogen-mimicking chemicals that have been studied in connection with fibroid development in Black women specifically. And because doctors do not routinely screen for fibroids, many of us are walking around with them for years before anyone takes us seriously.
What Are Fibroids, Really?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They range from the size of a seed to the size of a grapefruit. Some women have one. Some have several. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, fibroids are understood as uterine stagnation, a buildup of blood and energy that has not been properly moved and cleared through the body.
That is why treating fibroids with TCM is not just about shrinking the growth. It is about addressing why the stagnation is there in the first place.
What TCM Can Do
TCM does not promise to eliminate fibroids overnight. What it does is address the underlying conditions that allow them to grow and cause symptoms.
Acupuncture promotes circulation and helps move stagnant blood in the uterus. Regular sessions can reduce the pain and heaviness of fibroid-related periods and support overall hormonal regulation.
Herbal formulas are one of the most powerful tools available. Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan is one of the most well-researched classical formulas for uterine fibroids. It moves blood, reduces stagnation, and has been used for this purpose for centuries. Ana prescribes customized formulas based on your specific presentation, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Yoni steaming with targeted herbal blends supports uterine health, reduces inflammation, and helps the body clear stagnation through gentle, consistent practice.
Diet and lifestyle play a significant role. Reducing estrogen-dominant foods, limiting processed foods and alcohol, and incorporating anti-inflammatory herbs and foods can slow fibroid growth and reduce symptoms over time.
When to Seek Care
If you are experiencing heavy periods that soak through a pad or tampon in an hour, periods lasting longer than seven days, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, or pain during sex, please do not wait. These are signs that your fibroids are actively affecting your quality of life and your body is asking for support.
You do not have to choose between suffering and a hysterectomy. There is a whole range of options in between, and Ana is here to help you navigate them.
If you are ready to talk about what is happening in your body and explore what natural support looks like for you specifically, start with a free consultation. Ana will listen. That is where it begins.