Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has shared her journey with uterine fibroids, shedding light on a health challenge that affects countless women.

The 42-year-old Kenyan-Mexican star, celebrated for her transformative performance in 12 Years a Slave, took to Instagram to disclose her 2014 diagnosis, a pivotal year that saw her clinch an Oscar.

In March 2014, I won an Academy Award. That same year I discovered I had uterine fibroids. 30 fibroids, I had surgery to remove them. I asked my doctor if I could do anything to prevent them from recurring,” she wrote.

“She said ‘you can’t. It’s only a matter of time until they grow again. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They can range from the size of a pea to as large as a melon.

“They can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and anaemia, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and complications with pregnancy. Some have no symptoms at all, while others experience debilitating effects.”

Lupita also lamented how uterine fibroids are under-discussed despite affecting a large number of women.

“8 out of 10 of Black women and 7 out of 10 white women will experience fibroids. Yet we speak so little of them,” she added.

She further stated that she's sharing her story as a form of awareness on the condition as the world observes Fibroid Awareness Month.

The actress also spoke about her collaboration with Washington lawmakers to introduce bills that increase funding, improve detection, and boost education on uterine fibroids and related conditions.

“I’m speaking up about uterine fibroids. This is my story. This Fibroid Awareness Month and beyond, I hope my experience will resonate with anyone else who has ever felt dismissed, confused or alone,” she wrote.

“And I hope to seek answers for the far too many women dealing with uterine fibroids (80% of Black women and 70% of white women by age 50!). We deserve better. It’s time to demand it. Silence serves no one!

“Here’s where I’m beginning. Today, I joined Congresswomen @rerepshontell, @repyvetteclarke, @repbonnie, @reprobinkelly and Senators @sen_alsobrooks and @senlbr in Washington DC to introduce a package of uterine fibroid Congressional bills.

“These bills would expand research funding, increase early detection and interventions for uterine fibroids, study the causes of uterine cancer, and increase public awareness.

“In partnership with the Foundation for Women’s Health, I’m launching the FWH x Lupita Nyong’o Uterine Fibroid Research Grant.

“@foundationwomenshealth will seek research proposals to develop minimally invasive or non-invasive treatments for uterine fibroids to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for the 15 million patients suffering from this chronic condition in the U.S. alone. Learn more and get involved at the link in my bio.”

ASA