Lupita Nyong'o Reflects on 'Shame' Linked to Her Fibroid Diagnosis
Synopsis
Lupita Nyong'o bravely shares her emotional journey with fibroids, exploring feelings of shame and the struggles of maintaining a public persona while facing severe health challenges. Her candid revelations highlight the complexities of women's health and the societal expectations surrounding it.
Key Takeaways
Lupita Nyong'o discusses her emotional journey with fibroids.
She experienced shame and questioned her body's health.
Fibroids can lead to severe symptoms, affecting daily life.
Awareness of women's health issues is crucial for better understanding.
Decisions regarding treatment can be complex and personal.
Los Angeles, March 24 (NationPress) Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong'o entered a new mental realm upon receiving her diagnosis of fibroids. She expressed feelings of shame, questioning what she might have done "wrong".
The star of The Wild Robot, now 43 years old, was diagnosed with this condition—characterized by non-cancerous growths that can develop in or around the uterus—11 years ago. Initially, she pondered why she hadn't "protected" her body, as reported by ‘Female First UK’.
Discussing her experience of "suffering in silence" on ABC News Live Prime, Lupita shared, "It appeared as shame. In the beginning, I thought, 'What did I do wrong? What didn’t I do? How did I fail to protect my body? How did my body betray me in this manner?".
She recounted enduring "severe clotting" and experiencing a 30-day menstrual cycle during particularly challenging periods, all while maintaining a façade of strength in the public eye. "I was hiding in plain sight, appearing on red carpets and twirling, pretending everything was fine. Yet in my private moments, I faced heavy periods and severe clotting. At one point, my period lasted over 30 days. I was pre-anemic and battling fatigue. As women, we are conditioned from adolescence to expect pain and discomfort, yet we are not taught to listen to our bodies,” she added.
According to ‘Female First UK’, Lupita revealed last month that she has "over 50" uterine fibroids. During her appearance on The Today Show, she disclosed, "The first time I had fibroids removed, they took out 23. Now, I’ve been informed that I have over 50, and I face the same choices: surgery or endure the pain.”
During that time, the star of A Quiet Place: Day One admitted she was "not prepared" to make a decision regarding surgical removal of the fibroids, citing the significant implications for her future family plans. "I’m not ready to make that choice. It’s quite invasive... and poses a major risk to our reproductive health,” she concluded.
Point of View
I find Lupita Nyong'o’s candid revelations about her struggles with fibroids both compelling and vital for public discourse. Her experience sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of women's health, emphasizing the need for broader awareness and education on such conditions.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure.
How common are fibroids?
Fibroids are quite common, occurring in up to 70-80% of women by the age of 50.
What are the treatment options for fibroids?
Treatment options include medication, non-invasive procedures, and surgical options like myomectomy or hysterectomy, depending on the severity of symptoms.
Can fibroids affect fertility?
Yes, fibroids can affect fertility by blocking the fallopian tubes or altering the shape of the uterus, making conception more challenging.
What should women know about their bodies?
Women should be educated on their reproductive health, including how to recognize and address symptoms that may indicate underlying conditions like fibroids.
