As conversations around uterine fibroids continue to grow during Fibroid Awareness Month, several well-known women are stepping forward to share how this common condition has impacted their lives. By speaking out, they’re helping to raise awareness and encourage more people to seek answers for symptoms that often go overlooked.
Venus Williams
Tennis champion Venus Williams spent years experiencing painful cramps, heavy bleeding, anemia, and nausea without a clear diagnosis. At times, her symptoms were mistaken for an autoimmune condition she had., She often felt dismissed or misunderstood by doctors. After discovering a fibroid specialist, Williams was diagnosed with fibroids and adenomyosis.
Williams underwent a myomectomy, a surgical procedure that removed her fibroids while preserving her uterus. After the procedure Williams reported her had energy returned, her anemia improved, and for the first time in decades, she felt in control of her health. She now encourages others to listen to their bodies and to speak up when symptoms are affecting their daily lives. Williams advocates for early diagnosis and individualized care that can make a significant difference in both physical and emotional health.
Lupita Nyong’o
In 2014, Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o learned she had 30 fibroids after years of pain, fatigue, and heavy bleeding. The diagnosis came only after her symptoms intensified and disrupted her ability to function day to day. Her fibroids were surgically removed, but the emotional and physical toll lingered. In recent interviews, Lupita has shared how difficult it was to be heard and taken seriously, emphasizing how isolating the experience felt, noting that she didn’t know how common fibroids were until much later.
Since her surgery, Lupita has become an advocate for improved research and education around uterine fibroids. She helped launch a grant focused on increasing research into the cause of fibroids and has publicly supported legislation to expand screening access. Nyong’o says her experience emphasizes the importance of early intervention and access to providers who understand the complexities of fibroid care.
Danielle Colby
Danielle Colby, known from American Pickers, has been outspoken about the years spent dealing with fibroids. Colby’s symptoms included chronic pelvic pain, heavy and unpredictable bleeding, and a level of fatigue that interfered with both personal life and work. For a long time, Danielle felt brushed off when seeking care. The symptoms were either minimized or treated as separate issues rather than part of a larger diagnosis.
Eventually, Colby received confirmation that uterine fibroids were the cause of the painful symptoms and underwent a hysterectomy per the doctor’s suggestion. The mother of two grown children, Colby encourages women to keep asking questions until they feel truly heard.
Maria Menounos
TV star Maria Menounos revealed that a large fibroid was discovered during a full-body scan that also detected pancreatic cancer. The fibroid was removed as part of a comprehensive surgery that addressed her pancreas and lymph nodes. While Menounos had not previously spoken at length about fibroid symptoms, she has expressed gratitude that the condition was diagnosed likely because it was overshadowed by other health issues.
Menounos has encouraged women to be proactive about their health and to pay attention to what their bodies are trying to communicate. For her, getting answers required persistence and a willingness to look beyond surface-level symptoms. While her primary focus remains cancer recovery, she is helping raise awareness about how fibroids can exist undiagnosed and still impact health.
Speaking Up About Fibroids: Why Every Voice Matters
When public figures like Maria Menounos share their experiences with conditions such as uterine fibroids, it does more than just bring the conversation into the spotlight. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder: persistent pain and heavy bleeding aren’t just things to “live with.” They highlight that seeking answers early can truly change your health journey.
For many, learning about modern treatment options, such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), can be a crucial turning point. This less invasive approach offers hope beyond traditional surgeries.
Whether you’re struggling with ongoing fibroid symptoms or just beginning to ask questions, taking that first step to speak up about your health is incredibly important. A consultation with a fibroid specialist can help you understand your unique situation and explore the full range of available treatment options. Your well-being is worth investigating.