Uterine Fibroids, Treatment Options, and Self-Advocacy | Tanika Gray Valbrun

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pelvic pain and debilitating periods. Up to 80% of women may experience fibroids before the age of 50, but this condition remains under-researched and misunderstood. In this episode, Tanika Gray Valbrun joins to discuss uterine fibroid facts and share hope for women grappling with this condition. She tells her story, voicing her commitment to raising awareness through her organization, The White Dress Project. Tanika leads the conversation about patient-doctor communication, listening to women’s voices, and the importance of community support. We discuss the link between black women and fibroids, and consider why there remains a lack of research in women’s reproductive health.Tanika Gray Valbrun is the Founder and Senior Advocate of The White Dress Project, a non-profit organization committed to spreading uterine fibroids awareness. Ms. Valbrun is an award-winning journalist, educator, and non-profit founder with a passion for women’s health. She works with doctors, health advocates, and elected officials across the country to get legislation passed, including having July declared as “Fibroids Awareness Month.”Discussed in this episode:Facts about uterine fibroidsTanika’s experience of uterine fibroids, surgery, and advocacyRacial disparities regarding uterine fibroidsPatient advocacy when communicating with healthcare providersUterine fibroid treatment optionsChallenges in women’s health research today The White Dress Project and its influence on women’s access to uterine fibroid support“I always say that a patient's story is data, especially with something like uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or PCOS. There are variations in how it can show up in your body.” - Tanika Gray ValbrunRelated to this episode:Related Episode: Uterine Fibroids and Heavy PeriodsRelated Episode: Uterine Fibroids | Minimally Invasive Surgeon Dr. Jessica Opoku-AnaneRelated Episode: Uterine Fibroids and the Need for Better Standard of CareThe White Dress Project: www.thewhitedressproject.org White Dress Project Instagram: @wecanwearwhite Tankika’s Instagram: @tgvwearswhiteTwitter: @wecan_wearwhiteFacebook/Meta: The White Dress Project: We CAN Wear WhiteMentioned: 'Sex Matters' by Dr. Allison McGregorAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: www.acog.org Recommended Books on Your Body and Menstrual Health If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support the Fempower Health Podcast. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on iTunes or Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage with Our Community: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates and engaging content.Stay Informed: Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****Contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**