This feature article and sidebar discuss fibroids, a condition that can be debilitating and embarrassing. Fibroids can cause profound weakness and bleeding and can significantly impair women’s ability to work and lead a full life. The condition disproportionately affects black women. Compared with many other common conditions, there has been a relative dearth of research into the causes and treatment of fibroids, and too often women have been prescribed surgical procedures such as hysterectomy. The main article discussed current understanding of fibroids, racial disparities in fibroid severity, and the possible role of genetics, diet and environmental factors on fibroid development. The sidebar article provided an overview of different treatment options for fibroids and their benefits and risks.
