There is an estimation of over 70% of all women developing Fibroids in their lifetime. The racial difference in that percentage is shocking. Under a quarter of Black women, between the ages of 18 and 30, have fibroids. That number jumps to sixty percent by the age 35. Comparing this to the six percent with a slow growth for white women. Black women have over twice the amount of risk to suffer from recurring or complications.
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. and there are four types; Intramural, Submucosal, Subserosal, and Pedunculated.
Intramural: These are within the walls of the uterus which cause bleeding or pressure
Submucosal: A less common version that's near the uterine cavity that causes bleeding
Subserosal: Located on the outer wall and causes bulk and pressure
Pedunculated: Another less common version that are on a thin stalk
What are the reasons for the racial differences?
Though targeted research is lacking, there are many clues that we can go off of. Social factors could have a contribution to minority races experiencing more Fibroid issues. Socioeconomic status, obesity, family history, Vitamin D levels, and poor eating habits all can lead to having issues with Fibroids.
Teaching women what a "normal" period is will be the first step to getting good research. Most women will push off seeking treatment because they do not realize that there is an issue. Most women learn from those around them that a heavy and long period is normal. Most women don't realize it isn't normal because that's what they always experienced. This is not, and it leads to women suffering while dealing with all the angst that comes with it.