Shay’s Story: Navigating Life with Fibroids
At 31, Shay found herself navigating a complex and often misunderstood womb-related condition: fibroids (also known as leiomyoma or myoma). The past few years have been marked by severe symptoms, countless medical visits, and trial and error to manage this condition.
What was meant to be a routine visit to her gynecologist in 2022, took a path Shay never expected. She initially scheduled a visit to explore birth control options and eventually landed on a pill designed to reduce her cycles to about once every three months. Given the information her doctor shared with her, Shay anticipated an initial period of adjustment that might include some bleeding; however, after three months of consistent bleeding, it became clear something was wrong. What started as mild concern quickly escalated into profound disruption to her life—waking up in pools of blood, experiencing constant bleeding, and feeling drained both physically and emotionally.
Tests and ultrasounds revealed the presence of a fibroid embedded in the lining of Shay’s uterus. Preliminary treatment included medications to stop the bleeding—an approach that failed to deliver relief. After nine consecutive months of bleeding, Shay underwent a hysteroscopy, a surgical procedure to remove the fibroid while preserving her fertility. Though the surgery provided temporary relief, her journey was far from over.
Shay’s symptoms persisted, and her cycles, though more regular, became longer and heavier, with up to twelve days of bleeding. Just as she began adjusting to this new normal, her fibroid returned—a common occurrence for those who opt not to undergo a hysterectomy. According to Mayo Clinic, Fibroids can reoccur in about 60% of people who have them.
By April of the following year, the relentless bleeding had returned, lasting for nearly two months. Medications were prescribed once again, and though they eventually worked, the toll on her physical and emotional well-being was significant. Shay was constantly concerned about performing daily activities without having to wear a tampon or pad and whether normalcy in intimate relationships was possible.
Shay eventually experienced a relatively normal seven-day cycle. “My cramps were painful, and the bleeding was heavy, but I take that over the other months of experiencing this,” she shares, highlighting the negotiations women often have to make when it comes to their health.
Living with fibroids has been an exhausting and emotionally taxing experience for Shay. “A few months ago, I felt like I was being punished,” she admits. “It just wasn't fair to keep going through this.” Amid the hardship, Shay continued to engage in her own health with research and self-advocacy.
In addition to conventional medical treatments, Shay explored alternative therapies, finding some relief through natural remedies. Herbal teas, and a cleaner, plant-based diet have been an integral part of her healing regimen. By reducing her intake of meat, processed foods, and sugars while increasing her consumption of cold-pressed juices, fruits, and vegetables, Shay found a complementary path that has helped her manage her condition.
As Shay made physical lifestyle adjustments, she also leaned into her relationship with God, aided by family and friends who offered listening ears and reassured her that God had her back throughout her medical challenges. “They would pray over my belly and that provided comfort for me,” she reflects. “This actually sparked my need to get closer to God because I felt like I needed him more than ever.” Greater spiritual alignment was beneficial to Shay physically, but she also noticed a significant change in how she navigated other aspects of her life.
When asked what advice she would offer others facing uterine health conditions, Shay emphasized the importance of self-awareness. “Listen to your body and do what is best for you,” she urges. Recognizing that not all treatments work for every individual, she encourages others to explore their options and remain hopeful, even when it feels like there is no immediate solution.
Looking forward, Shay hopes to experience normal cycles. “I also still want more kids,” she says of her other goals and dreams. “I am going to do whatever it takes to keep that hope alive.” From her experiences, Shay hopes for better provider-patient communication within the medical community. “I would like for doctors to work a little harder at finding ways to combat these conditions rather than throwing pills at us,” she emphasizes. Though medications can be important to health management, a more patient-centered approach for Black women should include exploring all avenues of treatment and care.
Shay’s journey is a reminder that the road to healing is not always straightforward. As she continues to navigate life with fibroids, Shay remains steadfast in her belief that healing is possible—with God and on her own terms.
