Uterine Fibroids Toolkit: A Patient Empowerment Guide

While an estimated 26 million women ages 15-50 in United States have uterine fibroids, these statistics about fibroids are often underestimated. 

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are tumors made of smooth muscle and fibrous connective tissue that arise from the uterus and are one of the most common gynecological conditions nationwide.

Fibroids can develop in any girl or woman after the onset of her menstrual cycle. Although fibroids are most commonly diagnosed in individuals in their 30s and 40s, they can occur in adolescents and postmenopausal women, particularly those using hormone therapy. Fibroids tend to increase during the reproductive years and then shrink after menopause. These growths are non-malignant and are not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer, but they can result in mild to severe side effects and can affect one’s quality of life.

SWHR’s toolkit is designed to empower individuals with uterine fibroids in navigating their care.

The toolkit provides easy-to-understand information on gynecological health, guidance on uterine fibroid diagnosis and treatment, and tips for interacting with your health care provider. The toolkit aims to facilitate productive conversations between patients and health care providers so people with uterine fibroids can get the care they need.

DOWNLOAD THE UTERINE FIBROIDS TOOLKIT

While an estimated 26 million women ages 15-50 in United States have uterine fibroids, these statistics about fibroids are often underestimated. 

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are tumors made of smooth muscle and fibrous connective tissue that arise from the uterus and are one of the most common gynecological conditions nationwide.

Fibroids can develop in any girl or woman after the onset of her menstrual cycle. Although fibroids are most commonly diagnosed in individuals in their 30s and 40s, they can occur in adolescents and postmenopausal women, particularly those using hormone therapy. Fibroids tend to increase during the reproductive years and then shrink after menopause. These growths are non-malignant and are not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer, but they can result in mild to severe side effects and can affect one’s quality of life.

SWHR’s toolkit is designed to empower individuals with uterine fibroids in navigating their care.

The toolkit provides easy-to-understand information on gynecological health, guidance on uterine fibroid diagnosis and treatment, and tips for interacting with your health care provider. The toolkit aims to facilitate productive conversations between patients and health care providers so people with uterine fibroids can get the care they need.

DOWNLOAD THE UTERINE FIBROIDS TOOLKIT

What’s in the Toolkit?

You can access the entire Uterine Fibroids Toolkit above or download these individual toolkit pieces:

For more information, see the Uterine Fibroids Toolkit’s Glossary, Quick Links, and References.

The toolkit is a project of SWHR’s Uterine Fibroids Program, which convenes a diverse group of researchers, health care providers, patients, and health care thought leaders working to educate and engage society about the burden of fibroids, which significantly impact the lives of the women.

This document is intended to serve as an educational and informative resource and is not intended or implied to serve as a substitute for medical or professional advice. The Society for Women’s Health Research does not make medical, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, nor does it endorse or promote specific screening or diagnostic tests. Patients and consumers should confirm information and consult a professional health care provider to determine individual needs. The Society will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising therefrom.

More from SWHR about Fibroids

Blog Post
What to Know about PCOS this PCOS Awareness Month 
Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly referred to as PCOS, is an endocrine disorder that affects the balance of reproductive hormones and affects an estimated 5 million women in the United States.
Blog Post
SWHR Features Uterine Health in the Women’s Health Equity Initiative 
To bring attention to these research and care gaps and help support individuals impacted by uterine health conditions, SWHR has added uterine health to the Women’s Health Equity Initiative campaign this fall.
Blog Post
SWHR Joins Members of Congress, Partners for Reintroduction of the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act
SWHR joined Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Robin Kelly (D-IL), along with representatives from the Fibroid Foundation and The White Dress Project, on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

SWHR thanks AbbVie, Myovant | Pfizer, and Roche for their support of this educational work. 

            

This material was created by the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) and is intended to serve as a public educational and informative resource. This material may be cited or shared on external channels, websites, and blogs, with attribution given to SWHR, or printed and displayed in its original formatted version. SWHR encourages the sharing and reposting of its content in order to spread awareness around women’s health issues. For specific questions about sharing SWHR content, please reach out to communications@swhr.org