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The Fibroid Pandemic™️

@thefibroidpandemic

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Resources for humans with a uterus seeking to overcome #fibroids through education, support, and tools to advocate for oneself.
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Sis, it’s not only about bad periods! It’s a slew of other life threatening medical conditions caused by fibroids… those deadly silent killers were wreaking havoc on my body while hiding in plain site!

After endless labs, imaging scans, and visits to my PCP/general practitioner, OBGYN, four cardiologists, a gastroenterologist, a neurologist, a homeopathic specialist, urgent care visits, and minute clinics, I found myself on three ambulance rides and countless ER trips - all chasing symptoms no one could explain for nearly 18 months!

It took relentless self‑advocacy and sleepless nights to finally uncover the real culprit - uterine fibroids masquerading as every other ailment under the sun! Had I not continued to advocate for myself and stopped fighting, I may not be writing this post, my husband may be a widow, my adult son may be motherless, and my family may be sitting around the table reminiscing about how hilarious and unapologetically honest I was…. I may be a has been!

Don’t let fibroids steal your story. If your body is screaming for help, sis, listen by doing these ten things:

1. Get as many “second opinions” needed until you get the answers you’re desperately seeking.
2. Before you start taking beta blockers, ask for a transthoracic echocardiogram.
3. Incorporate deep meditation and prayer into your daily self care regimen.
4. Get tested for blood clots.
5. See a vein specialist to confirm any iliac vein blockage.
6. You’re not crazy! It’s okay to temporarily take non habit forming meds or natural remedies to help quell debilitating anxiety.
7. Have your kidney functions texted.
8. Have all of your questions ready before arriving at your doctor’s appointment.
9. Keep showing up for yourself. No one will be your biggest cheerleader more than you!
10. Keep moving your body and join us at the 4th Annual Run F.A.R. 5K Run Walk and Fibroid Awareness Sneaker Gala happening Saturday. 7/26 in Atlanta. Bring a friend!

Exercise and education are golden! #padthepandemic #thefibroidpandemic #uterinefibroids #runfar5k #usatfcertified #womenshealthmatters #advocateforyourself #selfadvocacy _#silentillness #blackwomenandfibroids #healthiswealth by @thefibroidpandemic

Whew chile…. Yes, I had major surgery….there I said it! I’ve been holding in that secret from ya’ll, my fibroid besties, for way too long, and I’m happy to finally get it out.

Three reasons I decided to the laparoscopic robotic myomectomy is because:

1. My doctor told me that it wasn’t a matter of IF something bad was going to happen, but WHEN! Fibroids ARE life threatening, and I refuse to let them take me out!

2. After countless doctor visits, tests, and lab work that went unanswered, I desperately yearned to find resolve from my symptoms.

3. I owed it to myself!!!!!

The three winners who guessed it correctly are:

1. @mrslcheatham
2. @onyinyeeee
3. syleta8295

Please send a DM with your shirt size and mailing address.

There are two other amazing announcement that I mentioned in this live as well. If you were unable to join us live, you can listen to the playback to find out what the other two announcement were.

I’m grateful that you all continue to show up, support, and encourage me to continue my healing journey and most importantly, to continue serving you all! I do not take any of this for granted!

See you in 2 weeks for part 2 as I host my surgeon @soyinihawkinsmd in an IG live session to talk about my surgery from the doctor’s perspective.

Remember to always be your greatest advocate and cheerleader! You deserve it! I love y’all and there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it!

Toodles,
LaToya Dwight, BBA, MSM, ChCC, REBC
Founder, The Fibroid Pandemic

#yourfibroidbestie #fibroids #uterinefibroids #uterus #thefibroidpandemic #fibroidpandemic #fibroidepidemic #epidemic #fibroidawareness #hysterectomy #myomectomy #pcos #womenshealth #infertility #endometriosis #vaginalsteam #vsteam #yonisteam #veganism #miscarriage #fertility #plantbased #vegan #vegetarian #pms #detox #holistichealth by @thefibroidpandemic

While there is no foolproof way to avoid developing uterine fibroids, understanding that certain foods can contribute to its growth and/or worsen the symptoms, is very important as it can help make things a little easier to bear.

The top six worst foods to stay away from when having fibroids include:

1. Dairy
2. Red meat
3. Fried foods
4. Refined sugars
5. Highly processed foods
6. Refined carbohydrates

What foods do you avoid?

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SAVE ✨LIKE ✨SHARE ✨FOLLOW FOR MORE FIBROID INFO & TIPS

#runfar5k
#fibroids #fibroidawareness #hysteroscopy #hysterectomy #painfulperiods #uterinefibroids
#thefibroidpandemic #humanswithauterus #humanswithvaginas #pandemic #acessa #myomectomy #infertility #femininehygiene #fibroidsupport #nanoinfluencer #heavyperiods #fibroidtreatment #fibroidsymptoms #fibroidresearch #fibroidtreatment #healthywomb #fibroidsupport #heavyperiods #shrinkingfibroids #fibroidfree
#fibroidresearch #curefibroids by @thefibroidpandemic

Some rooms you walk into. Others you leave DIFFERENT.

Sis, consider this your personal invitation!

We’re bringing together powerful conversations, sisterhood, purpose, and a whole lot of style at the Fibroid Awareness Sneaker Gala!

This is more than a gala. It’s where elegance meets education, advocacy inspires action, and meaningful connections take root.

And listen, don’t come alone! Bring someone who deserves to be in the room for these conversations. Because some experiences are simply too important not to share.

So find that fabulous green outfit, grab your flyest sneakers, and come make an impact with us!

📅 Saturday, January 23, 2027
📍 The Gathering Spot | Atlanta
✅ Formal elegant attire and share of green

Comment ROOTED for the ticket link! 🌱

#fibroidawareness #blackwomenshealth #sneakergala #fibroids #atlantaevents by @thefibroidpandemic

Some things are more than beautiful.

They’re DEEPLY ROOTED. 🌿💚✨

Rooted in strength. Rooted in resilience. Rooted in sisterhood. And most importantly, rooted in PURPOSE!

Ladies, consider this your official invitation to step into something extraordinary!

Sis, go find that gown (or add one to the cart), pull out your flyest sneakers, and get ready for an evening where elegance meets empowerment and purpose takes center stage!

The Fibroid Awareness Sneaker Gala is bringing together an incredible community for an unforgettable evening of meaningful conversations, beautiful connections, sisterhood, celebration, and yes, a little dancing, too! 🥂💃🏾

✨ Now, here’s the assignment:

💚 Formal attire in ANY shade of green 👟 Your flyest sneakers 🥂 Your girlfriends, make it a date night with your favorite plus-one, or entire crew 🌿 A heart ready to celebrate, connect, and make an impact!

📅 Saturday, January 23, 2027 | 6–10 PM 📍 The Gathering Spot | Atlanta, GA

And while we’ll certainly look good doing it, the real beauty of this evening is the purpose behind it.

Your presence supports Pad The Pandemic Foundation, Inc. and our mission to advance fibroid awareness, women’s health education, advocacy, and access to essential resources.

Because when women are deeply rooted in knowledge and supported by community, we don’t just grow. We BLOOM!🌿

🎟️ Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are available. Grab yours today!

🎟️ Ready to be in the room? Comment “ROOTED” and we’ll send the ticket link straight to your DMs!

So send that group text, make those plans, and secure your seats. Because, sis, you don’t want to be the one hearing about it afterward! 😉

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

DEEPLY ROOTED. In strength. In sisterhood. In HER.

#fibroids #TheFibroidPandemic #fibroidawareness #BlackWomensHealth #AtlantaEvents by @thefibroidpandemic

The part that hurts most is when fibroids come back and no one prepared you for the possibility.

But here’s what every woman needs to know: recurrence does not mean you failed. It does not mean your body betrayed you. And it does not mean surgery was pointless.

Fibroids are complex. While surgery can remove existing fibroids, it may not address every internal, hormonal, inflammatory, metabolic, environmental, or emotional factor that allowed them to develop in the first place.

Some of the lesser-discussed contributors may include:

• Chronic inflammation • High BMI and metabolic changes • Hormonal imbalance • Vitamin D deficiency • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals • Chronic stress and emotional trauma • Anxiety-driven behaviors • Lack of post-op healing strategy • Fibroids that were left behind • Lymphatic stagnation or poor circulation support

This is why education matters.

After fibroid surgery, women deserve more than “you’re good now.” We deserve follow-up imaging, symptom tracking, hormone conversations, nutrition support, stress management tools, environmental awareness, and a real and effective post-op wellness strategy.

Fibroid recurrence is not just a surgical conversation. It is a whole-body conversation.

✅✅Save this post. Share it with a woman who has had fibroid surgery. And follow @thefibroidpandemic for more fibroid education, advocacy, and resources.

#FibroidAwareness
#FibroidEducation
#TheFibroidPandemic
#WomensHealthAdvocate
#runfar5k by @thefibroidpandemic

Some women have fibroids with little to no bleeding changes, while others experience debilitating heavy bleeding, large clots, anemia, fatigue, and periods that disrupt their daily lives.

When I was first diagnosed with fibroids, my periods were perfectly normal. I was changing my menstrual products less than 4 times a day, I wasn’t having accidents, and I didn’t have the kind of bleeding people often associate with fibroids.

But about 6 months after my diagnosis, everything changed.

What felt “normal” turned into heavy bleeding, accidents, and the kind of flow that can disrupt your entire day, your confidence, your routine, and your peace of mind.

That’s why this myth matters.

Fibroids don’t always come with obvious warning signs in the beginning. Some women have heavy bleeding. Some have pelvic pressure. Some have bloating, pain, frequent urination, fertility challenges, or no major symptoms at all.

And sometimes, symptoms can change over time.
So, if you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids but your cycle still seems “normal,” don’t assume that means nothing is happening. Stay informed. Ask questions. Monitor your symptoms. Know the size and location of your fibroids. And advocate for yourself before things escalate.

Heavy bleeding is common with fibroids, but it is not guaranteed. And if it is happening to you, it should not be dismissed as “just a bad period.”

Your symptoms deserve attention. Your body deserves answers. And women deserve education before their pain is minimized.

Fibroids may be common, but suffering in silence should not be.

Share this with a woman who needs to know that fibroids don’t look the same for everyone.

#FibroidAwareness #BlackWomensHealth #WomensHealthMatters #KnowYourBody #TheFibroidPandemic by @thefibroidpandemic

Truthful Tuesday.

Let’s Get Real, Sis. So here’s the thing, period poverty is real and it’s leaving women without basic care. And these unnecessary hysterectomies, they’re happening way more than they should, especially when other options exist.

That’s exactly why Pad The Pandemic Foundation and The Fibroid Pandemic are showing up through pad drives, education, community initiatives, and real conversations to make sure women actually know their options.

Because this isn’t just about awareness, it’s about access. It’s about making sure women don’t feel stuck or unheard when it comes to their bodies.

Now I gotta ask, what are you doing to help make a difference in your community?

Drop it below or tag someone who’s always ready to show up and do the work.

#TruthfulTuesday
#PeriodPoverty
#FibroidAwareness
#WomensHealthMatters
#unnecessaryhysterectomies by @thefibroidpandemic

“My fibroids were dismissed, and I was pushed toward a hysterectomy before anyone really listened to me.”
— Latoya

#OneSentenceDismissed

For too long, women have had to fight to be heard before life-changing decisions are made. Listening must come first. �

Fibroids are common — by age 50, they affect an estimated 70% of White women and over 80% of Black women — and for many they are anything but silent: heavy menstrual bleeding affects roughly 70% of women with fibroids, often driving anemia and pain. The burden is not shared equally. Black women are diagnosed about three times as often, develop fibroids younger and more severely, and are at least twice as likely to undergo a hysterectomy — the very outcome Latoya was pushed toward.�

Relate to this post? Repost it, comment, or share your own #OneSentenceDismissed

Every story makes this pattern harder to ignore.

@thefibroidpandemic #fibroids #dismissed by @thefibroidpandemic

Don’t let the word “small” fool you. We’re not talking about a man’s appendage (get your head out of the gutter) 🤭

The size of your fibroid does not always tell the whole story, and that is the part too many women are never told.

Small fibroids can still cause big problems, especially when they are located in the wrong place.

A fibroid does not have to be huge to disrupt your body. Even a smaller fibroid near or inside the uterine cavity can contribute to heavy bleeding, painful periods, clotting, anemia, or fertility challenges.

And yes, size still matters too.

Larger fibroids may press against nearby organs like the bladder, bowel, or pelvic nerves. That pressure can lead to symptoms such as frequent urination, constipation, pelvic heaviness, bloating, back pain, or pain during sex.
This is why it is important to know more than just the size of your fibroids. You need to know the size, location, type, and how they are impacting your quality of life.

Whether your fibroids are big or small, your symptoms should not be dismissed.

Listen to your body. Ask questions. Request proper evaluation through a pelvic exam and imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI when needed.

Because when it comes to fibroids, small does not always mean harmless.

#FibroidAwareness #TheFibroidPandemic #KnowYourFibroids #WomensHealth #UterineHealth by @thefibroidpandemic

BTS at today’s Run Far 5K! 🏃🏾‍♀️💜 Honored to serve as an ambassador and celebrate a community that shows up with purpose.

@ourpaneltv was out capturing the powerful voices of our community for Fibroid Pandemic Awareness, asking one simple question: “What is your why?” 🎥 Stay tuned for the full episode—you won’t want to miss these inspiring stories.

A huge thank you to @runfar5k and @thefibroidpandemic for creating space to raise awareness, inspire action, and bring people together.

Every mile raises awareness. Every voice advances public health. 💜 #RunFar5K #FibroidPandemic #PublicHealth #CommunityHealth #sejhinstitute by @thefibroidpandemic

One of the most impactful moments of the 2026 Fibroid Awareness Conversation was our dynamic General Panel and Spotlight Sessions.

These powerful conversations brought together diverse voices, experiences, and expertise to address the realities of living with fibroids, navigating healthcare systems, advocating for better treatment options, and prioritizing women's health.

The engagement from attendees demonstrated just how important these conversations are. Through shared experiences and expert perspectives, we strengthened our collective commitment to education, advocacy, and health equity.

💚 Thank you to our panelists for your transparency, expertise, and dedication to advancing the conversation around fibroid awareness.

🔷Latoya Dwight and The Fibroid Pandemic
🔷Dr. Lorina Poe and Cyro and Contour
🔷Dr. Annette Kyzer and Hologic and Asension St. Thomas
🔷Tory Woodard and Echoes of Hope
🔷Johnny Croft
🔷Deana Drake
🔷Crystal Joy- Moderator

#GiveGleanGrow #fibroids #fibroidawarenessmonth #communitysupport #nonprofit #nashville #women #teens #Tweens #female #WomenWellness #FibroidAwareness #WomensHealthMatters #CommunityCare by @thefibroidpandemic