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 fibroids
• Tanika’s experience of uterine fibroids, surgery, and advocacy
• Racial disparities regarding uterine fibroids
• Patient advocacy when communicating with healthcare providers
• Uterine fibroid treatment options
• Challenges 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 Valbrun

Related to this episode:

• Related Episode: Uterine Fibroids and Heavy Periods
• Related Episode: Uterine Fibroids | Minimally Invasive Surgeon Dr. Jessica Opoku-Anane
• Related Episode: Uterine Fibroids and the Need for Better Standard of Care
• The White Dress Project: www.thewhitedressproject.org 
• White Dress Project Instagram: @wecanwearwhite 
• Tankika’s Instagram: @tgvwearswhite
• Twitter: @wecan_wearwhite
• Facebook/Meta: The White Dress Project: We CAN Wear White
• Mentioned: 'Sex Matters' by Dr. Allison McGregor
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: www.acog.org 
• Recommended Books on Your Body and Menstrual Health 

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**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.**

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