Fibroids and Endometriosis: What Women Should Know About Two Common Conditions

For a long time, women's reproductive health was something whispered about — if it was discussed at all. That is changing. More women are speaking openly about their experiences, asking better questions, and pushing for better care. Two conditions come up again and again in these conversations: uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Both are common, both can deeply affect daily life, and both have left too many women feeling unheard. This article is an informational overview — what these conditions are, what the numbers say, and the real stories of women who have lived with them.

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids — also called leiomyomas or myomas — are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. The word "tumor" can sound alarming, but fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous). They can grow as a single tumor or in multiples, and can range in size from an apple seed to a grapefruit.

They are remarkably common. The Office on Women's Health reports that about 20% to 80% of women develop fibroids by age 50, most often in their 40s and early 50s. Many women with fibroids have no symptoms at all. Those who do may experience heavy or painful periods, a feeling of fullness in the pelvic area, frequent urination, pain during sex, or lower back pain. Very large fibroids can enlarge the lower abdomen enough to make a woman look pregnant.

No one knows exactly what causes fibroids, but researchers believe hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and genetics both play a role. For example, having a mother with fibroids roughly triples a woman's own risk.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus — for example, on the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Like the uterine lining, this tissue responds to hormonal changes, which can cause inflammation, pain, and scarring.

It is common too. The Office on Women's Health notes that endometriosis may affect more than 11% of American women between the ages of 15 and 44. Common signs include very painful periods, ongoing pelvic pain, pain during or after sex, and difficulty getting pregnant — though every person's experience is different, and symptoms don't always match the extent of the condition. Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, reaching a diagnosis often takes time and persistence.

A disparity that deserves honest attention

These conditions affect women of all backgrounds — but not equally.

The Office on Women's Health notes that African-American women are more likely to develop fibroids than white women. Research has further found that Black women tend to develop fibroids at younger ages, with more numerous and larger fibroids and more severe symptoms. As fibroid advocate Tanika Gray Valbrun notes, an estimated 80% of Black women will experience fibroids before age 50.

Endometriosis has its own disparity story. For decades it was wrongly framed as a condition that mostly affected white women. Patient advocate Lauren Renee Kornegay recounts that, as recently as 2020, she found five U.S. hospital websites listing "being a White woman" as a risk factor for endometriosis. We now know endometriosis affects women of all races and backgrounds. Outdated assumptions like these are part of why many women of color have had their symptoms dismissed or gone undiagnosed for years.

In their own words: three real stories

Statistics tell part of the story. The rest belongs to the women who live it. Here are three published first-person accounts from women who chose to share their experiences publicly.

Tanika Gray Valbrun on fibroids

Tanika Gray Valbrun, founder of The White Dress Project — a nonprofit raising fibroid awareness — was diagnosed with 27 uterine fibroids in 2007. Her mother had also lived with fibroids, losing two sets of twins before a hysterectomy. After multiple surgeries, Tanika channeled her experience into advocacy, including helping establish July as Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month.

"But since I was 14, my menstrual cycles have been something to survive, not celebrate."

"Perhaps my journey will save another woman from lying weakly on her bed, wondering why the bleeding is so bad. Once we start sharing, there's power in our collective voice."

— Tanika Gray Valbrun, "I Won't Accept Fibroids as a 'Woman's Plight,'" Verywell Health

Monica Day on fibroids

Monica Day, former Director of Fund Development for The White Dress Project, discovered that her excessive bleeding was caused by fibroids — and that an open, honest relationship with her doctor changed everything.

"Don't brush away period pain and heavy flows as just part of a 'woman's curse.' Talk to your doctor about the possibility that you may have uterine fibroids."

— Monica Day, "Fibroids Were the Cause of My Excessive Vaginal Bleeding," Verywell Health

Lauren Renee Kornegay on endometriosis

Lauren Renee Kornegay, founder and executive director of Endo Black, began experiencing endometriosis symptoms around age 13 and received an official diagnosis at 20 — after years of pain that had been treated as normal. A later ruptured ovarian cyst led to emergency surgery. She went on to build Endo Black, a nonprofit supporting Black women living with endometriosis.

"I received an official endometriosis diagnosis at age 20. However, as I discovered, diagnosis is just the beginning."

"If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, it is imperative that you extend yourself grace... Be kind to yourself, seek community, and be strong and advocate for yourself to your healthcare providers."

— Lauren Renee Kornegay, "How I Coped With Endometriosis by Building Community," Verywell Health

Questions worth asking your doctor

If you suspect fibroids or endometriosis, it helps to go into appointments prepared. The Office on Women's Health suggests asking questions such as:

• What might be causing my symptoms, and how can we find out for sure?
• What are my options if fibroids or endometriosis are found?
• How might this affect my daily life or future plans, including pregnancy?
• Should I get a second opinion?

Keeping a simple log of your symptoms — when pain or heavy bleeding happens and how it affects your day — can help your doctor see patterns. And remember: seeking a second opinion is always okay.

You don't have to navigate this alone

Living with a chronic condition can feel lonely, but community makes a real difference — whether that is a friend who listens, a support group, or an advocacy organization such as The White Dress Project, Endo Black, or the Endometriosis Foundation of America. Many women also take comfort in building supportive daily wellness routines alongside their doctor's care — rest, nourishing food, gentle movement, and stress management are simple foundations that help many people feel more like themselves.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If you have symptoms or health concerns, please talk to a qualified healthcare provider.