By Seli Baisie
Oscar-winning wining actress Lupita Nyong’o says her uterine fibroids have returned, with multiple new growths causing persistent pain.
She is now collaborating with the Foundation for Women’s Health to support research into less invasive treatment options and improve care for women affected by the condition.
Speaking in an interview on the TODAY Show, Nyong’o shared details of her long-term struggle with fibroids, describing the physical pain, emotional toll, and limited treatment options available to many women.
A personal health battle
The 42-year-old actress said she was first diagnosed with fibroids in 2014, the same year she won an Academy Award for her role in 12 Years a Slave.
“I was experiencing this high-high and this low-low at exactly the same time,” she said, recalling the moment of diagnosis. “I had heavy bleeding, I had pelvic pain, among other symptoms, and I was stunned.”
She said that more than 12 years later, the fibroids have returned in greater numbers.
“Now, 12 years later, I have fibroids again. I have doubled the amount of fibroids, and I’m still being offered the same options — surgery or the pain,” she said.
Nyong’o noted that many women are advised to undergo hysterectomies, a procedure that removes the uterus and can end fertility.
“A lot of the time women get recommended hysterectomies… which is extreme,” she said, urging patients to explore alternatives.
Campaign for research and better treatment
Nyong’o said her campaign aims to raise funds for scientific research into less invasive and non-invasive treatments.
“If the majority of women are going through this, surely we should have some more options,” she said.
“We need so much more emphasis on women’s health.”
She encouraged women to seek second medical opinions and speak openly about their experiences.
“Seek a second opinion and don’t accept hysterectomy as the first resort,” she advised.
“There’s a lot of power in speaking up… hearing women say ‘me too’ made me feel less alone.”
What are uterine fibroids?
- heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- pelvic pain and pressure
- frequent urination
- fertility challenges and pregnancy complications
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They vary in size and number and can cause symptoms such as:
Medical estimates suggest that up to 80% of women develop fibroids by the age of 50, although many cases remain undiagnosed because symptoms can be mild or absent.
Wider impact on women’s health
Fibroids can significantly affect quality of life, including reproductive health, mental wellbeing, and economic productivity due to missed work or medical costs. Despite their prevalence, research funding and public awareness remain limited compared with other health conditions.
Nyong’o said sharing her story has strengthened her resolve to advocate for change.
“It’s high time that we speak up to ensure that this is no longer trivialised,” she said.
A global platform for advocacy
Beyond her health advocacy, Nyong’o is widely recognised for her work in films such as Black Panther and Us.
She said she hopes to use her platform to ensure fibroids are no longer dismissed as routine and that women have access to better care and treatment options worldwide.
