Are Fibroids Dangerous? What Your Body Might Be Telling You, and When to Listen

Whether you have fibroids or you suspect you could have, it’s only natural to ask the question, “Are fibroids dangerous?” The good news is that you’re unlikely to die from fibroids, but the bad news is that they can take a huge toll both physically and emotionally.

For many women, fibroids cause persistent pain, heavy periods, fatigue, or fertility struggles. And when symptoms go ignored or untreated, your quality of life can be impacted. That’s why understanding what fibroids are, and what they’re trying to tell you, is so important.

At Mint STL, we believe in seeing the whole picture - not just the fibroids, but the person they’re affecting. That means offering accurate information, a compassionate approach, and care that’s tailored to your individual experience.

Fibroids: More Common Than You Think

Did you know that uterine fibroids are one of the most common gynecologic conditions in the U.S., affecting as many as 80% of reproductive women?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form in or on the uterus. They're typically discovered during pelvic exams or imaging studies, but they can also go undetected for years, partly because their symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions.

Common symptoms include:

• Pressure on the bladder that makes you want to urinate more
• Pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pain and constipation caused by rectal pressure
• Visible abdominal bloating or distension

Not every woman with fibroids will experience symptoms, but for those who do, the effect on daily life can be significant and deeply frustrating if they aren’t taken seriously.

Why Do Fibroids Develop?

No one knows for sure, but several factors are thought to play a role:

• Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone appear to encourage fibroid growth.
• Genetics: If a family member has fibroids, it increases your risk of developing the condition.
• Age: Fibroids are more likely to appear during your reproductive years.
• Lifestyle and health factors: Stress, diet, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may influence fibroid development.
• Vitamin D deficiency, which is more prevalent among women of color, may also be linked to fibroid risk.

Understanding these contributors helps us take a more well-rounded view of prevention, support, and treatment—not just symptom control.

Who Is Most Affected—and Why?

While fibroids can affect anyone with a uterus, they’re not equally distributed across populations. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 90% of black people with a uterus have fibroids. What’s more, black people develop fibroids at a younger age and suffer from larger, faster-growing fibroids than white people.

This imbalance is not purely biological. Social and systemic factors also come into play:

• Delayed diagnosis: Some patients report feeling dismissed or unheard, particularly in busy clinical environments.
• More invasive treatment plans: Research shows black women are more likely to undergo hysterectomy, even when less invasive options are available.
• Environmental exposures: Certain beauty and hair care products marketed to black women contain ingredients that may disrupt hormonal function, potentially increasing fibroid risk over time.

At Mint STL, we recognize the importance of addressing these disparities not just with better treatment, but with better listening.

When Should You Be Worried About Fibroids?

While most fibroids aren’t considered medically dangerous, they can still affect your health in serious ways. If you’re experiencing any of the following, you should speak to your doctor or health provider:

• Bleeding that lasts more than 7–10 days or is so heavy it interferes with daily life
• Anemia or extreme fatigue from blood loss
• Significant pelvic or back pain
• Pressure symptoms (frequent urination, constipation)
• Rapid changes in abdominal size or shape
• Difficulty becoming or staying pregnant

Ignoring these signs can lead to long-term issues, including iron deficiency, organ pressure, or reduced fertility, so it’s important to treat symptoms with the same care you’d offer any other chronic condition.

A Holistic View: More Than Medical Management

Managing fibroids isn’t always about surgery, and it’s never just about medication. For many women, a more complete approach means supporting the whole person, including their hormonal, emotional, and nutritional health.

Some lifestyle considerations we often discuss with our patients include:

• Movement: Regular, low-impact exercise can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
• Nutrition: Anti-inflammatory foods, iron-rich vegetables, and hormone-supportive nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins.
• Vitamin D support: Whether through food, sunshine, or supplementation, addressing low levels can be a useful step.
• Stress management: Chronic stress is a powerful hormonal disruptor. Mindfulness, therapy, and restorative sleep play an important role.

You may also find this MINT post relating to the dos and don’ts of managing fibroids useful. 

Experience Care At Mint STL

Every woman’s experience with fibroids is different. That’s why at Mint STL, we customize our approach to your unique goals and concerns.

We provide:

• Accurate diagnosis using advanced imaging tools
• Minimally invasive treatment options, including uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) and laparoscopic myomectomy
• Clear communication, so you understand your options and feel confident in your decisions
• A collaborative care experience, where your voice matters

We also understand that the emotional side of reproductive health is just as important. Our team is here to support not just your physical healing, but your peace of mind as well.

Let’s Talk—We’re Here to Help

If your body has been trying to tell you something, now could be the time to listen. Whether you're dealing with heavy periods, persistent pain, or just a sense that something isn’t quite right, you don’t have to face it alone.

At Mint STL, we take your concerns seriously. We understand how frustrating it can be to feel brushed aside or told your symptoms are ‘normal’ when they’re clearly impacting your life. That’s why we’re committed to offering not just medical care, but personalized support - care that takes into account your lifestyle, goals, and health history.

Whether you're ready to take the next step or just need to talk through your options, we’re here for you.

Schedule a consultation today at mintstl.com and take one meaningful step toward better health. While fibroids in the main aren’t dangerous, you deserve answers. You deserve relief. You deserve care that listens.