Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o is using her platform to shed light on uterine fibroids, a condition that affects millions of women but is often overlooked.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Nyong’o shared her recent diagnosis and the emotional weight of managing a serious health issue while navigating professional success. “This Fibroid Awareness Month and beyond, I hope my experience will resonate with anyone else who has ever felt dismissed, confused or alone,” she wrote. “We deserve better. It’s time to demand it. Silence serves no one!”

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that can cause severe pain, heavy bleeding, and fertility issues. They’re incredibly common, affecting up to 80% of Black women and 70% of white women by age 50, yet many women still struggle to get answers, let alone proper care.

Nyong’o’s message is part of a growing push to change how society treats women’s health especially when it comes to pain that’s long been ignored or downplayed. She’s calling for more research, earlier detection, and better treatment options so women aren’t left suffering in silence.

By speaking out, Nyong’o is helping push the conversation forward, and reminding women they’re not alone.