Why Black Women Face Higher Rates of Uterine Fibroids—And What Researchers Are Doing About It

Black women are diagnosed with uterine fibroids at higher rates than other populations, and Henry Ford Health researchers are now working to understand why. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus, affecting reproductive health and quality of life. This disparity in diagnosis and severity has prompted medical teams to investigate the genetic, hormonal, and biological factors that may explain why Black women suffer disproportionately from this common gynecological condition.

What Are Uterine Fibroids and Why Do They Matter?

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in or around the uterus. While not cancerous, they can cause significant health challenges including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure on the bladder or bowel, and fertility problems. The condition affects millions of women of reproductive age, but the burden falls disproportionately on Black women, who experience both higher rates of diagnosis and more severe symptoms.

Understanding why this disparity exists is crucial for improving maternal health outcomes and quality of life. When women struggle with untreated fibroids, it can impact their ability to become pregnant, carry a pregnancy to term, and manage daily activities without pain or discomfort. This is why Henry Ford Health has made investigating this health equity issue a research priority.

Why Are Black Women Disproportionately Affected?

The reasons behind higher fibroid rates in Black women are complex and likely involve multiple factors working together. Researchers are exploring several potential explanations:

• Genetic Factors: Certain genetic variations may increase susceptibility to fibroid development, and these variations may be more common in Black populations.
• Hormonal Differences: Variations in how the body processes and responds to estrogen and progesterone—hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle—may contribute to fibroid growth.
• Inflammatory Responses: Differences in immune system function and inflammatory pathways could make some women more prone to abnormal cell growth in the uterus.
• Environmental and Social Factors: Access to healthcare, stress levels, diet, and other lifestyle factors may also play a role in disease development and severity.

By investigating these mechanisms, Henry Ford Health researchers hope to identify new prevention and treatment strategies tailored to the needs of Black women.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Women diagnosed with uterine fibroids have several treatment pathways depending on symptom severity and reproductive goals. Henry Ford Health offers both medical and surgical approaches. For women seeking to preserve their fertility or avoid surgery, hormone-based treatments can help manage symptoms. For those ready for definitive treatment, minimally invasive and robotic surgical options are available, including procedures to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus or, in some cases, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).

The key is working with a women's health specialist who understands your individual situation and reproductive plans. Early diagnosis through pelvic screening exams and advanced diagnostics can help catch fibroids before they cause severe complications.

Why Research Into Health Disparities Matters

Health disparities in women's health are not random—they reflect real biological, genetic, and systemic differences that deserve scientific attention. By conducting targeted research into why Black women experience higher fibroid rates, Henry Ford Health is taking a crucial step toward health equity. Understanding the root causes opens the door to developing more effective prevention strategies, earlier detection methods, and treatments specifically designed for populations most affected by this condition.

If you're a Black woman experiencing symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or difficulty becoming pregnant, talking with a women's health provider about screening for fibroids is an important step. Early intervention can prevent complications and help you maintain control over your reproductive health and quality of life.