“We must reject the normalization of female pain” – How Lupita Nyong’o is turning up the volume worldwide for millions impacted by fibroids

When award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o shared that she had been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, her words resonated with millions of us around the world. 

By speaking openly about years of symptoms, surgery, and frustration, she began to use her following to bring much-needed attention to a condition that affects an estimated 70 – 80% of women by age 50, yet is still surrounded by silence. 

July is Fibroids Awareness Month worldwide. So if you’ve been searching for Lupita Nyong’o fibroids, Lupita Nyong’o health issues, or wondering, What condition does Lupita Nyong’o have?, here’s what you need to know.

Because her story is so important. 

What condition does Lupita Nyong’o have?

Lupita Nyong’o has revealed that she has uterine fibroids, also called uterine leiomyomas.

She shared that she was diagnosed in 2014, the same year she won an Academy Awards Oscar. At the time, she underwent surgery to remove 30 fibroids, yet found herself asking why so many women were experiencing the same condition while so little public conversation existed around it.

Today, Lupita Nyong’o has shared that she is living with over 50 fibroids.

“We must reject the normalization of female pain”

In announcing her diagnosis on Instagram, Lupita wrote:

“We need to stop treating this massive issue like a series of unfortunate coincidences. We must reject the normalization of female pain. I envision a better future with early education for teenagers, better screening protocols, robust prevention search and less invasive treatments for uterine fibroids”

Those words have become a rallying cry for those of us who have spent years being told that severe periods, heavy bleeding, or pelvic pain are simply part of being female.

And we’re here for it. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – pain that interferes with your daily life deserves to be investigated. While menstrual cramps can be common, symptoms that are severe, worsening, or affecting your ability to work, exercise, sleep, or socialize should never be dismissed, whether you suspect fibroids or something else.

Winding it back, what are fibroids?

Fibroids are benign tumors made of muscle and connective tissue that grow in the uterus. They vary enormously in size, number, and location.

Some people have one small fibroid that never causes symptoms. Others develop multiple fibroids that significantly affect their quality of life.

Fibroids are incredibly common, particularly during the reproductive years. Research also shows they are diagnosed more frequently, tend to appear earlier, and are often more severe in Black women – that’s a statistic that’s often stated to be as high as 8 in 10. 

Despite how common they are, many people don’t realize they have fibroids until they’re investigated for symptoms or discover them during a routine pelvic scan.

Symptoms of fibroids

Fibroids don’t always cause symptoms. When they do, they can include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Lower back pain
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Pain during sex
• A feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
• Difficulty emptying the bladder completely

The type and severity of symptoms often depend on where the fibroids are located and how large they become.

Symptoms can also cross over with other gynecological conditions, like endometriosis. But when we’re talking about endometriosis vs fibroids, we’re talking about two common, yet very different women’s health conditions – read up and learn more here.

Can fibroids affect fertility?

Here, the jury is out. And that’s mainly thanks to the lack of research. 

Some experts say that fibroids do not automatically cause fertility issues, and that many women with fibroids conceive naturally. However, other research says that fibroids can sometimes make conception more difficult or increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications. 

Some research suggests that fibroids that grow inside the uterine cavity or significantly change the shape of the uterus are generally the ones most likely to affect fertility.

If you’re trying to conceive and have been diagnosed with fibroids, it’s worth discussing how a personalised treatment plan can be put into place. This should be:

• individualized based on your symptoms and reproductive plans
• plus the characteristics of the fibroids themselves

How are fibroids treated?

Treatment depends on several factors, including your symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, your age, and whether you hope to become pregnant in the future.

Options may include:

• Monitoring – In the case of small fibroids that aren’t causing symptoms
• Medications – Particularly to help manage heavy bleeding or pain
• Hormonal treatments – In some situations
• Shrinking fibroids – By reducing their blood supply
• Surgery – To remove fibroids while preserving the uterus (also known as a myomectomy)
• Hysterectomy – In some cases

If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids, ask your healthcare provider which approach is most appropriate based on your individual circumstances.

Why we’re amplifying Lupita’s story 

Many women spend years searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis of fibroids. Symptoms are often minimized, attributed to “normal” periods, or managed without investigating the underlying cause.

Lupita Nyong’o’s willingness to talk openly about her diagnosis has helped bring fibroids into mainstream conversation. As of 2026, she’s partnering with the Foundation for Women’s Health (FWH) and has launched the FWH x Lupita Nyong’o Uterine Fibroid Research Grant, specifically developed to push forward the development of minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for the condition. Read up on this amazing project here.

Her advocacy has also seen her take to Capitol Hill, supporting a package of congressional bills to expand fibroid research funding.

Her story reminds you that persistent symptoms deserve attention, and that advocating for your health (as we talk about so much here on TRB) is an important part of getting the care you need.

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