Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has shared powerful lessons from her 11-year fight with uterine fibroids.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Lupita reminded women that while Fibroid Awareness Month may be over, the condition is a daily struggle for many.
She was first diagnosed in 2014, the same year she won her Academy Award for 12 Years a Slave. Doctors found 30 fibroids.
At first, she blamed herself. “What did I do wrong?” she recalled thinking. Over time, she learned that fibroids are not caused by personal choices but by genetics and hormones.
“You didn’t cause this,” she said.
Lessons Lupita Has Learned
Lupita shared several lessons to help women facing the same condition:
- Know your family history. If your mother, sister, or aunt has fibroids, you may be at risk.
- Track your symptoms. Keep a period diary to record flow, cramps, and clotting.
- Trust your body. Heavy bleeding and constant pain are not normal.
- Find the right doctor. Not all doctors are fibroid experts. Bring questions, take notes, and don’t fear a second opinion.
- Look at natural options. She has slowed fibroid growth by cutting soy and processed foods, boosting vitamin D, trying green tea extract, and managing stress.
A Call for Change
Lupita urged women not to suffer in silence.
“Make that appointment,” she advised. “The temporary discomfort beats years of pain.”
She also called out a systemic failure in women’s healthcare and appealed for more research funding.
“Join me and donate to support fibroid research,” she urged.
Fibroids affect up to 80% of women by age 50. For many, the symptoms include heavy bleeding, anemia, and pelvic pain.
Lupita’s message is clear: believe your body, seek help, and push for better care.
