Lupita Nyong’o Launches Fibroid Research Grant: ‘No More Suffering in Silence’.

Lupita Nyong’o strengthens her advocacy with a powerful move for fibroid research.

Lupita Nyong’o marks Fibroid Awareness Month by sharing her journey and pushing for change through legislation and a new research grant.

In a candid July 15 Instagram post, Black Panther star Lupita Nyong’o reflected on winning her 2014 Oscar—the same year she was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Through captioned photos, she revealed undergoing surgery to remove 30 fibroids, noting her doctor warned they were likely to return.

Nyong’o shared, “Fibroids affect 8 in 10 Black women and 7 in 10 white women—yet they’re rarely talked about.”

With uterine fibroids affecting 80% of Black women and 70% of white women by age 50, Nyong’o emphasizes the need to raise awareness and challenge the idea that menstrual pain is normal.

“We’re taught from puberty that pain comes with periods and that it’s just part of being a woman,” she wrote.

But after opening up about her journey, Nyong’o discovered many women were fighting the same battle—silently and alone.

“We’re struggling alone with something that affects most of us,” she wrote. “No more suffering in silence!”

Nyong’o turned her experience into action, joining forces with members of Congress to push for legislation that expands research funding, improves early detection and treatment, and raises awareness about uterine fibroids. She also partnered with the Foundation for Women’s Health to launch the FWH x Lupita Nyong’o Uterine Fibroid Research Grant, focused on developing less invasive treatments to ease symptoms and enhance the quality of life for the 15 million Americans affected.

“This Fibroid Awareness Month and beyond, I hope my story resonates with anyone who’s felt unheard or alone,” she wrote. “We deserve better care and real answers. Silence helps no one—it’s time to speak up and act.”