Why “What’s Been Normalized Isn’t Normal”

Generations of women and girls have been told to push through, manage, and not make a fuss while menstruating. The result is that menstrual conditions like heavy bleeding, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, etc. go undiagnosed for years. Students miss class because they can’t afford a pad. People bleed through clothing, cancel plans, and quietly suffer, all because they’ve been led to believe this is just how it is.

It isn’t.

Menstrual health is a public health issue. And the symptoms, disparities, and barriers so many face deserve to be named, addressed, and treated, not normalized.

This month, we’re giving people the language and the visuals to say: enough.

How to use this toolkit:

1. Download by right-clicking an image below (desktop) or holding/screenshotting (mobile) to save it onto your device.

2. Log on to your favorite social media site, such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn.

3. Copy and paste one of the sample messages below into your social media post with an accompanying image, or create your own message that includes the #NationalMenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth2026 hashtag.

4. Post to show your support on your favorite social media platform.

Sample Social Media Posts

Too many women are told this is “normal.”

In honor of National Menstrual Health Awareness Month, we’re lifting up the voices behind the statistics. Menstrual health isn’t a niche issue, it impacts education, work, relationships, and overall well-being.

Sharing our stories can help break the silence, challenge what’s been normalized, and push for better care for everyone. #NationalMenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth2026

1 in 4 students are carrying more than just a backpack.

They’re also carrying the stress of not knowing if they’ll have what they need to get through the school day. Missing class, sitting in discomfort, and trying to focus while worrying about something no one should have to.

This National Menstrual Health Awareness Month, we’re reminding everyone: menstrual health is public health. #NationalMenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth2026

Menstrual health impacts so much more than we talk about.

Behind every number is a real person missing school, waiting years for answers, navigating pain, or being told their experience is “normal.”

This National Menstrual Health Awareness Month, it’s time to make these realities visible. Awareness is the first step toward real change. #NationalMenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth2026

For many women and girls, being prepared isn’t optional, it’s a necessity. Extra products, backup plans, always thinking ahead just to make it through the day without disruption.

This National Menstrual Health Awareness Month, we’re recognizing the mental load that comes with managing periods, and why better access and better care matter. #NationalMenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth2026

While progress has been made, only about half of U.S. states have laws ensuring access to menstrual products in schools, leaving millions of students to navigate their periods without support or the access they need.

This National Menstrual Health Awareness Month, we’re working to spotlight the gaps that still exist, and why access to period products should be treated as a basic necessity, not a privilege. #NationalMenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth2026

Maximize Your Impact

Throughout National Menstrual Health Awareness Month, The Fibroid Foundation is shining a light on the symptoms, inequities, and diagnostic gaps that are often dismissed. Sharing these messages is a powerful start.

Congressional Briefing on Menstrual Health on May 19th

Join us on May 19th for our National Menstrual Health Awareness Month Congressional Briefing, where we will bring Congressional representatives, advocates, and patients directly to Capitol Hill to demand policy action on menstrual health. This is your opportunity to be part of a powerful moment, one where what has been normalized is challenged at the highest levels of government.

Support Our Work

Your donation helps fund critical research, elevate patient voices, and drive the advocacy efforts pushing menstrual health to the forefront of national policy.

The post National Menstrual Health Awareness Month 2026 Social Media Toolkit appeared first on Fibroid Foundation.

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate how far we’ve come. At The Fibroid Foundation, it’s also a time to be honest about how far we still have to go, especially when it comes to the health of the very women whose stories we are here to tell.

This March, The Fibroid Foundation has a full-page ad in TIME magazine’s iconic Women of the Year issue. Here’s exactly what we said, and why we said it.

Don’t Fight Fibroids Alone.

That’s our message. Four words that we believe every one of the 26 million women living with fibroids in the United States needs to hear.

For too long, that is exactly what women with fibroids have been doing – fighting alone. Fighting to be believed by their doctors. Fighting through periods so heavy that they can’t leave the house. Fighting through pelvic pain, anemia, fertility challenges, and exhaustion while being told their symptoms are normal. Fighting to find information, to access care, to make decisions about their own bodies, and often without adequate support, resources, or even a proper diagnosis.

Twenty-six million women. One condition. And for decades, a silence so pervasive that most of those women have had no idea they weren’t alone at all.

It’s past time for that silence to end.

A Condition That Has Been Ignored for Too Long

Here is a number that should be making national headlines: up to 80% of women will develop uterine fibroids by age 50. Fibroids are one of the most common health conditions affecting women in the United States, and yet they remain one of the most underfunded, underresearched, and underdiscussed.

The consequences of that neglect are real and serious. Women with fibroids often wait years for a diagnosis. They are frequently offered limited treatment options, many of which come with significant trade-offs. Across the board, women with fibroids are too often left to piece together their own care, armed with too little information and too little support.

This is not a niche women’s health issue. This is a national health crisis, and it is long overdue for the attention it deserves.

Why Sateria Founded the Fibroid Foundation, And Why She Keeps Fighting

Our founder, Sateria Venable, knows what it means to fight fibroids alone. After her third fibroid surgery, following years of heavy bleeding, pain, and a medical system that too often left her without answers, Sateria made a decision. She would stop navigating this in silence, and she would build something that made sure other women didn’t have to.

The Fibroid Foundation was born from that conviction: that no woman should face this diagnosis without community, without information, and without a network of people fighting alongside her. As Sateria has said: “Every woman living with fibroids has a story that deserves to be heard.”

The ad in TIME is a direct extension of that founding belief. It is a declaration that the era of women fighting fibroids alone without answers, without advocates, without a seat at the table, is over.

Uniting Everyone It Takes to Change This

Telling women they are not alone is only the beginning. Because the truth is, solving the fibroid crisis requires more than awareness — it requires action from every corner of the health ecosystem.

That is why our message in TIME speaks not just to patients, but to everyone who has a role to play in transforming fibroid care: clinicians who treat women every day, researchers working to develop better diagnostics and therapies, and policymakers with the power to direct funding, shape legislation, and drive systemic change.

Twenty-six million women cannot afford for any one of those groups to sit on the sidelines. When patients, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers work together, when they stop operating in silos and start pulling in the same direction, that is when real change becomes possible. That is the movement The Fibroid Foundation exists to build.

We are not just raising awareness. We are building a united front.

Why TIME Magazine, and Why Now

When the opportunity arose to place our message in TIME magazine’s Women of the Year issue, we didn’t hesitate. Women’s History Month is not just about celebrating the past, it is about asking hard questions of the present. Which women are still being failed? Whose health is still being dismissed? Whose pain is still being minimized?

For 26 million women living with fibroids, the answer has been yours for far too long.

The Women of the Year issue celebrates women who refuse to accept the status quo. That is exactly what The Fibroid Foundation does every single day, for every patient who deserves better care, every researcher who needs more funding, every clinician who wants better tools, and every policymaker who is ready to act.

Placing our message in TIME is a statement to the nation: fibroids belong in this conversation. Women’s pain is not a footnote. And not one more woman should have to fight this battle by herself.

See Our Message for Yourself

Our newest ad is featured in this month’s TIME magazine Women of the Year issue, on newsstands now! Pick up a copy, share it with the women in your life, and help us make sure this message reaches every woman who needs to hear it.

Twenty-six million women. One condition. Long ignored.

We’re changing that – together.

The post Why The Fibroid Foundation Has a Full-Page Ad in TIME Magazine This Women’s History Month appeared first on Fibroid Foundation.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Sponsors

Before we dive into the incredible day we shared, we must extend our deepest gratitude to Always and Hologic for sponsoring Fibroid Summit 2026. Their commitment to women’s health made this event possible, and their support ensures that cutting-edge fibroid research reaches the people who need it most. Thank you for believing in this mission and investing in a future where every woman with uterine fibroids receives the care and answers she deserves.

Welcome Home: Opening Remarks from Sateria Venable

Our founder and CEO, Sateria Venable, opened Summit with the warmth and authenticity that defines the Fibroid Foundation. She took this opportunity to remind everyone in the room why this work matters. As a woman who has undergone four fibroid surgeries herself, Sateria knows intimately the pain of being dismissed, the frustration of limited fibroid treatment options, and the power of community and knowledge. Her opening remarks set the tone for an afternoon dedicated to breaking the silence, amplifying research, and demanding better for the 26 million women in the United States living with fibroids.

A Special Video Welcome from Dr. Rachel Rubin

Following Sateria’s opening, attendees received a special video welcome from Dr. Rachel Rubin, who shared insights about her practice and her unwavering commitment to women’s health, including her work on getting the black box warning removed from hormone therapy this year. Dr. Rubin’s message reinforced a critical truth: physicians who listen, advocate, and stay informed make all the difference in women’s health. Her words reminded everyone in the room that advocacy can lead to real change.

Keynote Address: Dr. Gloria Bowles-Johnson on Fibroid Research

Dr. Gloria Bowles-Johnson delivered a keynote address that framed the afternoon’s work with clarity and urgency. Her remarks underscored the importance of fibroid research, the gaps that still exist in fibroid treatment and awareness, and the work that lies ahead. Dr. Bowles-Johnson acknowledged the lived experiences of women with uterine fibroids while challenging the medical community and researchers to do better. It was a call to action wrapped in empathy, and it resonated deeply with everyone in the room.

The Research: Where Fibroid Science Meets Real Life

The heart of Fibroid Summit 2026 was the fibroid research presentations. Three leading scientists sharing work that is actively reshaping how we understand and treat uterine fibroids.

Dr. Erika Moore: Cellular Replication in Fibroids

Dr. Erika Moore, Assistant Professor in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland, presented cutting-edge research on cellular replication in fibroids. Understanding how and why fibroid cells multiply is foundational to developing new fibroid treatment approaches that go beyond managing symptoms to actually preventing growth. Dr. Moore’s work is opening doors to interventions that could one day stop fibroids before they start, or at least before they cause the kind of life-altering fibroid symptoms so many women experience.

Dr. Julia DiTosto: Fibroids and Heart Disease Connection

Dr. Julia DiTosto, a recent PhD graduate in epidemiology from the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, presented her groundbreaking research on the connection between fibroids and heart disease. This is the study that made national headlines, and for good reason. Dr. DiTosto’s findings uncovered that women with fibroids have an 81% higher long-term risk of heart disease, with women under 40 facing even more striking risk. This research is changing the conversation about uterine fibroids from a “gynecological issue” to a whole-body health concern that demands cardiovascular screening and comprehensive care. Hearing it directly from Dr. DiTosto, complete with the nuance, the methodology, the implications, and her personal opinion about further research that is needed on this topic, was a privilege few audiences get.

Dr. Bhuchitra Singh: Hair Products and Fibroids Research

Dr. Bhuchitra Singh, Director of Clinical Research at the Howard W. and Georgeanna Seegars Jones Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, tackled the question women have been asking for years: Do hair products cause fibroids? His systematic review of 17 studies provided the most comprehensive analysis to date on the association between hair product use, particularly hair relaxers and dyes, and gynecological conditions including uterine fibroids. While the evidence is complex and still evolving, Dr. Singh’s presentation gave attendees the scientific context they need to understand what the research shows, what it doesn’t show, and where more work is needed. It was honest, thorough, and demonstrated the kind of evidence-based research the fibroid community deserves.

The Patient Experience: Living with Fibroids

Research data can tell you prevalence, risk factors, and treatment outcomes. But Mrs. Shontelle Dixon’s patient testimony reminded everyone in the room why this fibroid research matters. Shontelle shared her personal fibroid journey with courage and vulnerability, including the pain, the dismissals, the impact on her life and future plans, and ultimately, the path to fibroid treatment and advocacy. Her story was a mirror for so many women in the audience who saw their own experiences reflected back. It was a reminder that behind every statistic is a woman who deserves to be heard, believed, and given real fibroid treatment options. Shontelle’s testimony was powerful, personal, and deeply moving.

The Q&A: Fibroid Research Questions Answered

One of the most anticipated parts of Fibroid Summit is always the live Q&A session, and this year did not disappoint. For 30 minutes, attendees had the opportunity to ask Dr. Moore, Dr. DiTosto, Dr. Singh, and Dr. Bowles-Johnson anything they wanted. The questions were thoughtful, specific, and personal.

Though time was limited, researchers answered with patience, clarity, and respect, treating every question as if it were the most important one in the room. This wasn’t a typical academic Q&A where researchers talk at an audience. This was a conversation between scientists and the people whose lives their work impacts. It was collaborative, honest, and exactly what Fibroid Summit is designed to be.

The Sentiment: Raving Reviews and Lasting Connections

As the afternoon drew to a close, something beautiful happened: many attendees stayed. They lingered in the Patuxent Room, continuing conversations with fibroid researchers, exchanging contact information with fellow attendees, and soaking in the rare experience of being in a space where fibroids weren’t whispered about. They were the center of the conversation.

The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees described Summit as “life-changing,” and “incredibly informative”. Healthcare providers left with actionable information they could bring back to their practices. Researchers appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with patients. And patients expressed gratitude for finally being in a room where their questions were welcomed, their experiences validated, and their need for answers taken seriously.

Many stayed long after the official program ended, networking, learning, and building the kind of community connections that sustain fibroid advocacy movements. That’s the magic of Fibroid Summit: it’s not just what happens on stage. It’s what happens in the conversations afterward, in the connections made, and in the knowledge gained that attendees carry forward into their own lives and communities.

Coming Soon: Fibroid Summit 2026 Recordings

Couldn’t attend Fibroid Summit 2026? We’ve got you covered. The entire event was recorded and will be available to view on FibroidFoundation.org at a later date. Whether you missed the event, want to revisit a specific fibroid research presentation, or need to share the research with your doctor, the recordings will ensure this incredible afternoon of learning reaches as many people as possible. Stay tuned for more details on when the recording will be available.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Fibroid Research and Treatment

Fibroid Summit 2026 reminded us why this work matters. Why we show up. Why we refuse to stay silent. Why we demand fibroid research, policy change, and equitable fibroid care.

The researchers are doing the work. The patients are sharing their stories. The advocates are pushing for change. And together, we’re making uterine fibroids impossible to ignore.

Thank you to everyone who attended, everyone who presented, and everyone who made Fibroid Summit 2026 possible. This is how movements grow. This is how change happens. This is just the beginning.

See you at Fibroid Summit 2027.

Want to stay updated on the latest fibroid research and future Fibroid Foundation events? Join our mailing list

The post Fibroid Summit 2026: A Day of Groundbreaking Research, Community, and Hope appeared first on Fibroid Foundation.

A Year of Breaking Barriers, Building Community, and Demanding Change

As we close out 2025, we’re reflecting on a transformative year. From Capitol Hill to international conferences, from virtual support groups to historic roundtables with Hollywood voices and global leaders, the Fibroid Foundation has shown up boldly and unapologetically for the millions of women living with fibroids.

This year, we changed conversations, influenced policy, built bridges across continents, and more. Through it all, we held space for the women at the heart of this work.

Here’s what we accomplished together in 2025.

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FEBRUARY: Supporting Women’s Health Conversations and Building Community Connections

The Fibroid Foundation was a gold sponsor for the screening of The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, hosted by the Washington Center for Women’s & Children’s Wellness. By supporting conversations around menopause, we continue to break down stigmas surrounding all aspects of women’s reproductive health.

We also attended the CBCF Essence Awards Luncheon, strengthening relationships with leaders and advocates committed to advancing health equity for Black women.

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MARCH: Expert Conversations on Fibroid Care during Women’s Month

For International Women’s Day, the Fibroid Foundation had the incredible honor of attending “Spilling the Tea on Women’s Health,” an impactful event hosted by The Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Our founder and CEO, Sateria Venable, shared powerful insights on a panel about the importance of prioritizing women’s health and was deeply honored to receive the M. Joycelyn Elders Mental and Physical Health Award.

We also hosted an impactful Instagram Live conversation with Dr. Pierre Johnson, aka the Fibroid Slayer, about comprehensive fibroid care to assist in providing our community with accessible, expert guidance on treatment options and navigating the healthcare system.

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MAY: Menstrual Health Awareness Month

We proudly joined with existing partners to hold our annual Menstrual Health Awareness Month Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill, educating policymakers on the urgent need for fibroid research and equitable care. This briefing is a critical step in building legislative support for national fibroid initiatives.

Building upon that same momentum, we sent a letter co-signed by partnering women’s health organizations to Congressional spouses, discussing the importance of national fibroid legislation and building bipartisan support for this critical issue.

The Fibroid Foundation realized a long-held dream as we had our own booth at ACOG 2025, where our founder connected with physicians to build momentum for our upcoming Physician Portal, as well as strengthen relationships with new and existing colleagues in the medical community.

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JUNE: Making Fibroids Unignorable

We launched a bold campaign to make fibroids unignorable, raising awareness ahead of Fibroid Awareness Month with creative, attention-grabbing content designed to break through the noise and force people to see what’s been hidden for too long.

The Fibroid Foundation proudly joined International Paper and Procter & Gamble to assemble period and diaper kits, essential resources that were donated to March of Dimes and Mary’s House to support families and individuals facing basic needs gaps.

Our founder also spoke at the Women in Government National Legislative Conference about the importance of fibroid legislation, educating state leaders on how they can support women’s health at the legislative level.

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JULY: Fibroid Awareness Month

July was nothing short of monumental. Fibroid Awareness Month 2025 was our most impactful yet, filled with education, advocacy breakthroughs, historic partnerships, and heartbreaking loss.

We hosted four virtual programs with fibroid experts, providing evidence-based information on topics that matter most to our community:

• Is my period normal?
• How do I interview my physician?
• Can I keep my uterus? The impact of fibroids & surgery on your overall health
• Can this be caused by menopause?

These sessions empowered women with the knowledge and tools to advocate for themselves in medical settings.

During a transformative FAM, the Fibroid Foundation had the incredible honor of participating in a historic roundtable discussion on uterine fibroids, alongside elected officials, advocates, lawmakers, and the powerful voice of award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o. This groundbreaking conversation led directly to a press conference announcing the introduction of the 2025 Fibroid Bill Package, a major milestone in our fight for federal funding and equitable fibroid care.

We also held our first-ever Fibroids on the Hill on Capitol Hill, bringing members of our community directly to legislators to share their personal fibroid stories. These voices reminded lawmakers that fibroids aren’t just a personal issue, but a national crisis that needs to be addressed.

Our founder and CEO was invited to sit down with Ali Rogin from PBS News to discuss the importance of uterine fibroid awareness. The segment aired during Fibroid Awareness Month, reaching a national audience and bringing mainstream attention to fibroids.

We then convened a groundbreaking international conversation at the intersection of science, policy, and advocacy, bringing together global leaders in fibroid research and health equity. The Fibroid Foundation team met with Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke’s office, alongside Dr. Priscilla Day-Walsh and Jasmine Kiley of Cambridge University (UK) and Samira Rafaela, former Member of the European Parliament. This meeting laid the groundwork for future international collaboration on fibroid research and policy.

Honoring Karen Janus

While Fibroid Awareness Month 2025 was transformative for our organization, we also dealt with the unexpected and unimaginable loss of our beloved Director of Development, Karen Janus. Karen was a fierce advocate, a dedicated colleague, and a cherished member of our Fibroid Foundation family. In her honor, we raised money to establish a trust for her grandchildren, ensuring her legacy of compassion and service lives on.

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AUGUST: Building Partnerships

Our founder and CEO, Sateria Venable, joined an incredible lineup of health leaders at Touch, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance women’s health hub on Martha’s Vineyard. The event streamed on BlackDoctor.org’s TOUCH Talks Wellness, amplifying important conversations about women’s health to a national audience.

Sateria spoke on the panel “Health is a Family Affair,” a powerful discussion on shifting from reactive to proactive healthcare, a message that resonates deeply with our community.

She also attended the Bayer Black Excellence Brunch, connecting with leaders committed to advancing health equity and innovation.

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SEPTEMBER: Celebrating 12 Years of Impact

The Fibroid Foundation turned 12 years old in September. For over a decade, we’ve been the voice for women who were told their pain didn’t matter, who were given no options, who were left to navigate fibroids alone. Twelve years later, we’re stronger, louder, and more determined than ever.

Our founder kicked off our anniversary month by returning to Capitol Hill for a bipartisan Women’s Health Congressional Roundtable to deliver a united message to Congress: Close the Women’s Health Research Gap. She attended alongside advocates including Lupita Nyong’o and Mandy Moore, amplifying the urgent need for federal investment in women’s health research.

We also had the opportunity to attend the 54th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, strengthening our advocacy network and building relationships with leaders committed to health equity for Black women.

Our founder and Buffalo Ambassadors wrapped up our anniversary month in the Big Apple, attending WHAV (Women’s Health Annual Visit), where they connected with physicians about our upcoming Physician Portal, a resource designed to equip healthcare providers with the tools and cultural competency training needed to deliver better fibroid care.

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OCTOBER: Menopause Awareness Month

Although we were unable to hold our second Fibroids on the Hill event during the government shutdown, we pivoted quickly to host a powerful virtual online roundtable with members of our community. We discussed real fibroid stories and the critical importance of national fibroid legislation, ensuring our advocacy work continued despite the challenges.

Our founder also spoke on a panel for Women’s Health Horizons titled “The Unseen Impact of Fibroids” in Boston, bringing fibroid awareness to new audiences and continuing the conversation about how fibroids affect women’s lives beyond just physical symptoms.

We were proud to support one of our Maryland ambassadors, Michelle, as she attended and hosted a table at a Blue Cross Blue Shield event in Baltimore, connecting with community members and sharing information about fibroid awareness and the Fibroid Foundation’s work.

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NOVEMBER: Global Innovation and Ethics

Our founder and CEO, Sateria Venable, had the privilege of speaking at the Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, alongside our Indian Ambassador, Payal Dey, Ph.D., on the critical topic of AI ethics and innovation in health. This conversation explored how technology and artificial intelligence can advance fibroid diagnosis, treatment, and research on a global scale.

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YEAR-ROUND IMPACT

Ambassador Program Relaunch

This year, we relaunched our Ambassador Program, empowering passionate advocates across the country to bring fibroid awareness and education to their local communities. Our ambassadors serve as the face of the Fibroid Foundation in their regions, hosting events, connecting with local healthcare providers, and supporting women navigating their fibroid journeys.

Instagram Live Support Groups

Throughout the year, we hosted several Instagram Live support groups to help women navigate fibroids. These sessions created safe, accessible spaces for women to share their experiences, ask questions, and find community, reminding everyone that no woman should face fibroids alone.

Advocacy on Capitol Hill

We worked tirelessly throughout 2025 advocating on Capitol Hill for national fibroid legislation, building relationships with legislators, educating policymakers, and pushing for the research funding and treatment access that women with fibroids desperately need.

COEQUaL Research Initiative

We worked diligently on the COEQUaL initiative, an NIH-funded specialized research center dedicated to eliminating health disparities in fibroid care. As co-leaders and with our founder serving as co-principal investigator, we continued important work on this five-year project committed to understanding and dismantling the systemic barriers that prevent equitable treatment, especially for Black and African American women.

#FibroidFriday

Biweekly, we continue to share new fibroid research via #FibroidFriday, keeping our community informed about the latest studies, treatment advances, and evidence-based information. This consistent educational content ensures that women have access to accurate, up-to-date information about their condition.

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LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026

As we close out 2025, we’re not slowing down. We’re preparing for Fibroid Summit 2026, continuing our COEQUaL research, launching our Physician Portal, and pushing harder than ever for national fibroid legislation.

This work is only possible because of you, our community, our advocates, our donors, and our believers. Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for refusing to accept suffering in silence. Thank you for believing that women’s health is not optional, but essential.

Here’s to another year of breaking barriers, demanding change, and improving life for the millions of women living with uterine fibroids.

The post The Fibroid Foundation’s 2025 Impact Report appeared first on Fibroid Foundation.

Saturday, September 13th marks a milestone that began with one woman’s determination to turn her pain into purpose. When Sateria Venable was diagnosed with fibroids at age 26, she embarked on a quest for information that would eventually grow into The Fibroid Foundation. 12 years later, we have reached over 180 countries and supported millions of women living with uterine fibroids.

This anniversary is different, and we need you now more than ever.

From Personal Pain to Global Purpose

Sateria Venable has been a Patient Advocate and Researcher for Uterine Fibroids since 2007. What started as her personal journey to understand her own diagnosis became a mission to ensure no woman would face fibroids alone or uninformed. After her diagnosis, she began a quest for information, leading her to found The Fibroid Foundation.

Twelve years ago, when she was suffering from debilitating pain, heavy bleeding, or fatigue from fibroids, she was often met with dismissal. “It’s normal.” “Just deal with it.” “Have you tried yoga?” Sateria knew this wasn’t good enough, and she was determined to change it.

What Twelve Years of Your Support Has Accomplished

Because of supporters like you, The Fibroid Foundation has achieved remarkable milestones:

Research & Medical Collaboration: From The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to Mayo Clinic Office of Health Disparities Research Grant to COMPARE-UF, a $20 Million, 5-year fibroids treatment research grant, Sateria has lent her expertise and activism as a subject matter expert around the issues women face with uterine fibroids.

Legislative Advocacy: For the last 12 years, the foundation has led efforts to introduce The Fibroid Bill into the US House of Representatives and the Senate. We have worked with both the executive and legislative branches in local, state and federal governments to introduce and pass fibroid legislation benefiting women around the country. We’ve also worked with governing bodies around the world to impact women with fibroids around the globe.

Global Community Building: The Fibroid Foundation reaches over 180 countries providing support, and education to erase menstrual stigmas. We’ve become the premier global community of fibroids patients and physicians working together. We have created local chapters that allow Fibroid Foundation ambassadors to bring our educational resources to their local communities.

Evidence-Based Impact: Our founder Sateria has co-authored several scientific papers on fibroid research.

Breaking the Silence: We strive to erase the ‘Stigma of Silence’ around menstrual health and minimize treatment disparities with layered patient support.

But here’s what drives us forward today: despite all this progress, fibroids remain one of the least funded areas of medical research relative to how many women they affect.

The Ripple Effect of $12

This year, we’re launching something special to forward our mission – the 12 for 12 Challenge. We’re asking you to donate just $12 to honor our 12 years of impact, then invite 12 friends to do the same.

Why $12? Because small actions create massive change, just like Sateria’s initial quest for information became a global movement.

Your $12 helps fund the research partnerships that could lead to breakthrough treatments. It supports the legislative advocacy that brought The Fibroid Bill to Congress. It powers our global community that now spans 180 countries, ensuring women everywhere can access accurate information and support.

But more than that, your $12 sends a message. It says that women’s health matters. It says that conditions affecting millions of women deserve the same attention, funding, and urgency as any other major health crisis.

Your Challenge, Should You Choose to Accept It

Here’s what we’re asking of you:

Step 1: Donate $12 to honor our 12 years of breaking barriers and building hope here.

Step 2: Share this challenge with 12 people in your life. Your sister, your colleague, your neighbor, your book club, your gym buddy – anyone who believes that women’s health matters.

Step 3: Watch the ripple effect unfold, just like how one woman’s determination created a movement spanning 180 countries.

If just 1,000 people take this challenge, and each person successfully invites 12 friends, we’ll have created a movement of over 12,000 supporters. That’s more than just funding. That’s a community of voices saying, “Women’s pain matters. Women’s health matters. Women matter.”

A Personal Note From Our Community

Twelve years ago, Sateria started this foundation because she believed every woman deserved better than being told to “just deal with it.” Today, we’re not just a patient-founded, advocacy organization supporting the global sisterhood—we’re a force for change with real legislative victories, research partnerships, and innovative solutions.

Today, we’re asking you to be part of that change.

Your $12 isn’t just a donation—it’s a declaration that women’s health is worth fighting for. It’s an investment in a future where breakthrough treatments are possible, where legislative change protects women’s health, and where innovative solutions address real daily challenges.

Join Our Global Community

This Saturday, as we celebrate twelve years of progress, from one woman’s diagnosis to a global movement reaching 180 countries, we’re also looking ahead to the next twelve years of possibility. We’re dreaming of initiatives to find a CURE for fibroids.

But we can’t get there without you.

Take the 12 for 12 Challenge today. Donate $12. Invite 12 friends. Be part of the ripple effect that started with Sateria’s quest for information and continues to change everything for women with fibroids worldwide.

Donate $12 Now – 12 for 12 Challenge

We’re continuing a journey that started with one woman’s determination and has grown into a global community spanning 180 countries. We’re making sure that twelve years from now, no woman will have to face fibroids without the support, information, and innovative solutions she deserves.

Thank you for being part of our story. Thank you for helping us write the next chapter.

The post Celebrating 12 Years of the Fibroid Foundation appeared first on Fibroid Foundation.

On Thursday, June 19, 2025, Fibroid Foundation Founder and CEO Sateria Venable took the stage at the Women In Government (WIG) National Legislative Conference in St. Louis, MO, delivering a powerful call to action on one of the most under-discussed women’s health crises in the country: Uterine Fibroids.

Speaking to a room of state legislators from across the nation, Sateria spotlighted the urgency for evidence-based policies, research investment, and menstrual health equity, reminding attendees that fibroids are not just a medical issue, but a public health and policy issue that demands action now.

Millions of Women Are Suffering – Many in Silence

We Deserve Options Beyond Hysterectomy

This Is the Moment for State Action

This is just the beginning of a roadmap for state-level change. The call is clear, and states must act on behalf of their citizens. Invest in fibroid awareness, create menstrual equity programs, support shared decision-making tools, and increase funding for non-invasive treatments. Sateria concluded her presentation by urging attendees to support Fibroid Legislation this July and year-round.

Too many women are living with pain, shame, fertility issues, and financial burdens from fibroids, without adequate answers or access to care. We cannot solve what we refuse to talk about. This moment, this movement, requires bold leadership at every level.

The Fibroid Foundation is proud to lead the charge, and grateful to Women In Government for the opportunity to bring this message to the lawmakers who can help create change.

The post Sateria Venable Addresses State Leaders on Uterine Fibroids at Women In Government’s National Legislative Conference appeared first on Fibroid Foundation.

Why Menstrual Health Matters

Menstruation is a natural biological function, but the shame and silence surrounding it are not. The ripple effects of menstrual stigma and poor menstrual health policies are felt not just by women and girls, but by families, communities, and economies.

Menstrual health influences mental well-being, educational access, chronic disease outcomes, fertility, workplace productivity, and more. And yet, too often, it’s left out of the conversation.

National Menstrual Health Awareness Month is our opportunity to shift that narrative. Together, we’ll lift up the real-world impact of periods and demand inclusive, science-based, human-centered care for all who are affected.

1. Download by right-clicking an image below (desktop) or holding/screenshotting (mobile) to save it onto your device.

2. Log on to your favorite social media site, such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn.

3. Copy and paste one of the sample messages below into your social media post with an accompanying image, or create your own message that includes the #NationalMenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth2025 hashtag.

4. Post to show your support on your favorite social media platform.

Sample Social Media Posts

May is National Menstrual Health Awareness Month.

In the U.S., 69% of women and people who menstruate say they’ve struggled to afford menstrual products in the last year. This isn’t just a health issue, it’s a matter of dignity, access, and equity.

Let’s stop the stigma and start the cycle of care. #NationalMenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth2025

Access to menstrual products shouldn’t be a privilege, it’s a basic need. Yet more than 500 million people globally lack adequate access to period supplies, and in the U.S., nearly 1 in 4 teens has missed class because they didn’t have them.

This National Menstrual Health Awareness Month, let’s talk about it. Let’s change it. #NationalMenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth2025

Menstrual health affects more than the person who bleeds. Partners play a vital role in care, empathy, and support.

A recent study in PLOS ONE found that a partner’s support can actually reduce PMS symptoms – not just emotionally, but physically.

This National Menstrual Health Awareness Month, let’s normalize compassion. Let’s make care communal. #NationalMenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth2025

Children who learn about menstruation from a trusted adult, especially before their first period, are more likely to feel confident, prepared, and empowered in their bodies.

This National Menstrual Health Awareness Month, let’s break cycles of shame. Let’s commit to raising a generation that’s informed, compassionate, and stigma-free. #NationalMenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth2025

Menstrual health belongs in policy conversations.

From access to products in schools and prisons to research funding and workplace protections, legislation can shape how menstruation impacts daily life.

As of 2024, only 23 U.S. states require schools to provide free menstrual products, and even fewer address equity in broader public policies.

Menstrual health is public health. It’s time for policies that reflect that. #NationalMenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth2025

1 in 5 students in the U.S. has struggled to afford period products, and nearly 1 in 4 has missed class because of it.

When schools offer free period supplies, students can show up with confidence and dignity.

Menstrual equity starts in our communities. This National Menstrual Health Awareness Month, let’s normalize access everywhere. #NationalMenstrualHealthAwarenessMonth2025

Maximize Your Impact

Throughout National Menstrual Health Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on the everyday realities of menstrual health and the systemic gaps that still exist. If this month’s message has moved you, we invite you to take the next step.

Your donation helps fund critical research, elevate patient voices, and support key advocacy efforts, like our Congressional Briefing on May 14, that are pushing menstrual health to the forefront of national policy.

The post National Menstrual Health Awareness Month 2025 Social Media Toolkit appeared first on Fibroid Foundation.

Studies show that fibroids impact Black women earlier and more severely, yet their voices are often left out of the broader healthcare conversation. At the Fibroid Foundation, we highlight personal stories to shed light on the lived realities of fibroids, medical bias, and self-advocacy.

In this interview, Fibroid Foundation Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Nicole, spoke with Fibroid Foundation Community Member La-Anna Douglas, a dedicated fibroid advocate who shares her powerful journey of misdiagnosis, dismissal, and ultimately, self-empowerment.

Nicole: Can you share a little bit about your journey with fibroids? When did you first realize that something was wrong?

La-Anna: My journey with fibroids is pretty unique. I suffered for 16 years with horrible, debilitating menstrual cycles, not understanding what was going on with my body, my pain being minimized, going to different doctors, and not understanding their diagnosis. They just labeled me as the girl with bad periods, which was pretty frustrating for me. I felt like my body betrayed me, I was feeling alone. And then after several years of advocating and speaking up for myself, I was finally diagnosed at the age of 26, after a laparoscopic surgery, with fibroids, 2 uteruses, 2 cervixes, and endometriosis. And I was overwhelmed, shocked, never even heard of fibroids or any of the other reproductive health issues I had going on. So, I was overwhelmed, and then I felt validation. I kept saying for years “Something is going on with my body” and they just kept labeling me as the girl with bad periods. [After my diagnosis] it was like finally somebody is listening to me, somebody actually understood what I was going through and wanted to do everything they could to care for me. And I’m so grateful for my doctor who said “I know what is going on with you, let’s get you scheduled for surgery”, and the rest is history.

Nicole: Your story is always so telling of the dangers of not paying attention and what can happen when someone finally does. Let’s talk about before you were diagnosed with fibroids, what was your daily life like?

La-Anna: I was tired a lot. I was popping ibuprofen to try to minimize the pain, but it felt like they were like candy. It was taking the edge off but I was still suffering. Sometimes I’d just be laying in bed unable to move around, sometimes at work. I remember this one episode when I was in so much pain, I just passed out. I would have to take breaks to just lay down at work. I would have accidents. When I was a kid, getting up out of a chair in class and looking down and there’s blood all over the chair. All of that was so frustrating, especially as a little girl. I started my period at the age of 10. Having accidents, blood running down your legs or getting up from the chair or getting out of bed looking down at your bedspread and theres blood everythwhere, it was just a lot. It was overwhelming. Today, we have so many resources, so many people talking about for their bodies, so many people advocating. Back then, I didn’t know anyone. I felt like I was the only one having bad periods, and I suffered in silence for years. 16 years, my mom taking me to doctors appointments, being rushed to the emergency room, my parents praying over me, my mom heating up towels when I was cramping so badly. All of these things I was going through and no one in the medical field was listening, and it was frustrating, especially as a Black woman. You’re already not listened to and belittled and then when it comes to your care, they’re just like, “Oh, you’re fine. We’re going to give you this IV and speculum exam and we’re going to sign your chart and you’re going to go home.” It happened to me so many times.

Nicole: I’m so sorry. 

As a Black woman, tell me more about your experience navigating the medical system. Do you feel you were dismissed, misdiagnosed, or unheard because you’re a Black woman?

La-Anna: My journey was frustrating. It was overwhelming. Going into a doctor’s office or ER and you’re pleading saying “I’m in so much pain. I don’t know what’s going on with me. I’m hurting SO bad, I’m losing so much blood,” and to just be dismissed? It’s like – did you hear what I said? I’m in pain. And you can see nurses talking to each other and their facial expressions are like “She’s lying.” And it’s like no, I’m not. I’m really in pain. I can’t take this. And it happened for years. I was turned away, I was told to just go home, take your motrin. And on top of that, I only have one kidney and in the back of my mind I’m worried about taking so much ibuprofen. Sometimes I was like I’ll just suffer and take it. And I knew I only had one kidney since I was born, but not knowing the reproductive things that were going on with me, it was frustrating.

Nicole: I can imagine. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Now that you’re on the “other side”, what do you wish more Black women knew about fibroids & their reproductive health?

La-Anna: You’re not alone. You do not have to suffer in silence. You have every right to advocate for yourself and speak up for yourself, because it’s your body. You have to speak up for yourself, if nobody else in the room speaks up for you, your voice matters. And if you’re going to doctor’s appointments and getting all this information, and it’s overwhelming, ask your doctor if you can record it on your phone, or bring in a family member or friend or just someone to be in the room with you to support you. And even if they can’t be in the room with you, they’re there in the waiting room supporting you. Surround yourself with love on the journey. I know for myself, I was at a point of suicide because I was so depressed because I didn’t know what was going on with my body. Being diagnosed with fibroids and everything else and then dealing with infertility, it was a lot and overwhelming. So I needed a support system. I needed people who would be in my corner who would speak up for me if I was in too much pain. “Listen to my daughter, listen to my wife. Her voice matters. It’s her body.” Also, do not suffer for too long. It’s easy to sit in your corner and say no one needs to know what I’m going through. NO! Scream it from your lungs. “I am tired of being in pain. What can be done to help me?” What is the point to suffer in pain and not speak up for yourself? Don’t be afraid.

I was very afraid, especially in my 20s. I was very timid, I was self conscious, I had low self esteem and so sometimes when they would say “Oh you just have a cyst on your ovaries,” and I would say “Ok” and just go home. But in my 30s and 40s I gained my confidence. You’re going to do an ultrasound, you’re going to do an MRI, you’re going to schedule a hysteroscopy, you’re going to schedule a surgery. Whatever needs to be done to figure out whats going on with my body. You have the right to speak up for yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you who you are or belittle you, because medical bias is real. It’s ok for you to ask for a Black doctor, or a minority doctor. 

I thank God that towards the latter part of my care I’ve had so many Black doctors and female doctors. Thats nothing against male doctors, but I feel like the latter part of my journey was totally different, especially when it came to Black and female doctors. It was like a lightbuld went off. “Oh Mrs. Douglas, what you’re experiencing, I’ve seen in patients before.” “What do you mean? All of the other doctors told me I was the only one. But you’re telling me there are other women out there going through the same thing?” So it’s ok to speak up and ask for a Black doctor, a woman, whatever, because you have the right to do that. And you are enough. I tell all my sisters out there, you are enough. You are worthy of love, and most importantly, love yourself on the journey. Tell yourself that you’re beautiful, tell yourself that you’re strong and tell yourself that you are enough.

The post La-Anna’s Journey with Fibroids appeared first on Fibroid Foundation.

When discussing uterine fibroids, most conversations focus on heavy periods, pelvic pain, and bloating. But fibroids don’t just affect your uterus, they can impact your heart health as well.

The link between fibroids and heart disease is rarely discussed, but research shows it’s a serious concern. If you have fibroids and experience heavy bleeding, anemia, or high blood pressure, you must pay close attention to your cardiovascular health.

Let’s break down the connection between fibroids and heart disease, the risks you need to know, and the steps you can take to protect your heart.

What Are Fibroids and How Do They Affect Your Heart?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in or around the uterus. They’re incredibly common, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50 ¹.

For some women, fibroids cause minimal symptoms. But for others, they can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, severe anemia, and high blood pressure (hypertension) – all of which can increase the risk of heart disease.

Here’s the chain that often happens:

Heavy menstrual bleeding → Iron-deficiency anemia
Iron-deficiency anemia → Low oxygen levels in the blood
Low oxygen levels → Increased heart rate & extra strain on the heart
Long-term heart strain → Higher risk of heart disease, heart failure, and stroke

Women with severe fibroid-related anemia often report chronic fatigue, dizziness, and heart palpitations, which are also early warning signs of cardiovascular issues ².

Anemia & Heart Disease: The Fibroid Connection

Iron-deficiency anemia is a direct consequence of fibroid-related heavy bleeding, and it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies show that women with anemia are at a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease ³.

Anemia affects up to 20% of women of reproductive age ⁴.
Severe anemia can lead to heart failure if untreated.
Women with fibroids are more likely to experience iron-deficiency anemia due to prolonged heavy bleeding ⁵.

Anemia forces the heart to work harder, leading to palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and extreme fatigue. If left untreated, chronic anemia can result in heart damage and an increased risk of stroke.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) & Fibroids: A Dangerous Pair

Studies show that women with fibroids are more likely to develop high blood pressure – a leading cause of heart disease ⁶.

• Women with fibroids are 2.3 times more likely to develop hypertension compared to women without fibroids.
• High blood pressure puts stress on the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

One study found that hypertension may contribute to fibroid growth, creating a vicious cycle where fibroids and high blood pressure worsen each other ⁷.

If you have fibroids and high blood pressure, it’s critical to monitor your cardiovascular health.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Certain factors increase the risk of fibroids and heart disease occurring together:

Women with heavy menstrual bleeding & anemia
Women with a history of high blood pressure
Perimenopausal women experiencing hormone fluctuations
Black women, who are disproportionately affected by both fibroids & heart disease

It is imperative that women with fibroids not only make sure they’re keeping up with their gynecological visits, but also taking the steps to assemble a care team that includes a cardiologist.

Protecting Your Heart While Managing Fibroids

If you have fibroids, heavy periods, or anemia, here’s how you can protect your heart health:

Get Your Iron Levels Checked: Ask your doctor to test ferritin and hemoglobin levels to check for anemia.
Monitor Your Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a silent killer. Regularly check your BP, especially if you’ve had prolonged anemia.
Consider Fibroid Treatment Options: Non-invasive treatments can help shrink fibroids and reduce heavy bleeding, lowering your risk of anemia and heart strain.
Eat an Iron-Rich Diet: Load up on leafy greens, lean meats, beans, and nuts to help restore iron levels.
Don’t Ignore Symptoms: If you experience fatigue, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness, talk to your doctor immediately.

Fibroids can negatively impact your cardiovascular system, but early intervention can reduce these risks.

The Bottom Line: Fibroids & Heart Health Are Linked

For too long, fibroids have been treated as just a reproductive health issue, but the reality is they can have widespread effects on the body, including the heart.

If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding, anemia, or high blood pressure, don’t ignore the symptoms. Protecting your heart health while managing fibroids is essential for long-term well-being.

This Go Red Day, help us raise awareness of the heart-health risks associated with fibroids and take steps to advocate for better care by sharing this information with your network.

Sources

[¹] Fibroid Foundation. “Fibroids 101.” https://www.fibroidfoundation.org/fibroids-101/
[²] American Heart Association. “Iron Deficiency and Heart Disease.” https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.034720
[³] Journal of Women’s Health. “Anemia and Cardiovascular Risk.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6161937/
[⁴] CDC. “Iron Deficiency Anemia.” https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/anemia/facts.html
[⁵] PLoS ONE. “Hypertension and Uterine Fibroids.” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1553725013001780
[⁶] NIH. “Racial Disparities in Uterine Fibroids.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4015116/
[⁷] PubMed. “Hypertension and Fibroid Growth.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30102523/

The post Fibroids & Heart Disease: The Connection Every Woman and their Doctor Should Know About appeared first on Fibroid Foundation.

Why Fibroids and Perimenopause Are a Complicated Pair

Perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause, is marked by hormonal surges that can cause fibroids to grow or worsen symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and fatigue. These fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone can lead to increased inflammation, heavier or prolonged periods, and even the development of new fibroids.

That’s why monitoring fibroids during perimenopause is crucial. Keeping up with regular check-ups and tracking changes in symptoms can help determine whether interventions, such as medication, lifestyle changes, or procedures, are needed.

Common Workplace Challenges and How to Tackle Them

1. Unpredictable Symptoms & Heavy Bleeding
Many women experience irregular and intense periods during perimenopause, leading to anxiety about managing symptoms at work. Planning ahead by keeping extra supplies, wearing period-proof clothing, and having a discreet emergency kit at the office can help.

2. Fatigue & Brain Fog
Hormonal shifts can leave you feeling exhausted, making it harder to stay sharp during meetings or power through deadlines. Prioritizing rest, optimizing your diet, and getting regular exercise (even light movement) can boost energy levels.

Research shows that women with heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids are three times more likely to experience iron deficiency anemia, which contributes to extreme fatigue. (Source: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023)

3. Pain & Discomfort During the Workday
Sitting for long hours can aggravate pelvic pressure and discomfort caused by fibroids. Taking short, frequent breaks to move around, using a supportive chair cushion, and practicing gentle stretches can provide relief.

4. Balancing Career Growth & Health Needs
Women in perimenopause often feel pressured to “push through” symptoms, but advocating for your health does not mean you’re any less capable. If necessary, talk to HR about flexible work options, remote days, or accommodations for doctor visits.

Many companies offer benefits that can support your health journey, but you must ask.

Stay Informed & Take Control of Your Health

Fibroids don’t just affect your physical health. They can influence your confidence, productivity, and overall well-being. As your hormones shift, staying proactive is essential. Regular monitoring and informed decision-making can help prevent unnecessary interventions and ensure you receive the best possible care.

For more information on how perimenopause impacts fibroids and what you can do about it, visit our menopause resource hub here:
Fibroid Foundation Menopause Page

Your career shouldn’t suffer because of fibroids or perimenopause. With the right knowledge and strategies, you can continue excelling in your professional life without compromising your health.

The post Hormonal Shifts, Heavy Workloads: Managing Fibroids & Perimenopause in Your Career appeared first on Fibroid Foundation.