Lupita Nyong’o Opens Up About Her Battle With Fibroids

Award-winning actress and activist Lupita Nyong’o is using her voice and platform to shed long-overdue light on a health issue that affects millions of women globally: uterine fibroids.

In a powerful personal revelation shared on her social media channels, Nyong’o disclosed that she recently had 30 fibroids removed a harrowing experience that has now fueled her determination to advocate for change. “I’m speaking up about uterine fibroids. This is my story,” she began, marking a pivotal moment in her journey and a broader call to action.

Uterine fibroids are a debilitating and under-researched condition that affects up to 80% of Black women and 70% of white women by age 50. Despite these staggering statistics, fibroids are often dismissed, misunderstood, or inadequately treated, leaving many women suffering in silence.

"This Fibroid Awareness Month and beyond, I hope my experience will resonate with anyone who has ever felt dismissed, confused, or alone," she said. "We deserve better. It's time to demand it. Silence serves no one."

Here’s how Lupita is turning her pain into purpose:

1. Legislative Action in Washington D.C.

Nyong’o has joined forces with Congresswomen Shontel Brown, Yvette Clarke, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Robin Kelly, along with Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Tammy Baldwin, to introduce a comprehensive package of uterine fibroid bills. These legislative efforts aim to:

Increase funding for fibroid research

Expand early detection and intervention strategies

Investigate causes of uterine cancer

Elevate public awareness and education

2. FWH x Lupita Nyong’o Uterine Fibroid Research Grant

In collaboration with the Foundation for Women’s Health, Nyong’o has launched a dedicated research grant focused on advancing treatments for fibroids. The aim? To fund innovative proposals that will develop minimally invasive or non-invasive treatment options, reduce suffering, and improve quality of life for the estimated 15 million fibroid patients in the U.S. alone.

She encourages everyone to learn more and support the cause via the Foundation for Women’s Health website (link in her bio).

Why This Matters

Lupita’s courage to share her experience is a reminder that women’s health particularly Black women’s health deserves prioritization, funding, and voice. By speaking up, she’s not only starting a conversation she’s leading a movement.