I was diagnosed with a textbook case of uterine fibroids. (Uterine fibroids occur most often in women between the ages of 30 – 55, and African American women are three times more likely to develop them than Caucasian women). I suffered many symptoms, but it was the heavy bleeding and abdominal pain that were the most difficult.

I tried a few alternative approaches to manage my symptoms, including diet and acupuncture, but my condition worsened. My doctor suggested I have a myomectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the fibroid tumors. I trusted his expertise and was eager to relieve my symptoms.

Two years later my uterine fibroids were back, and my symptoms were worse. I menstruated every day for a year. My boyfriend, my business manager and one of my girlfriends knew how I was suffering, but I didn’t talk about my condition with very many people – not even my mother. My doctor told me that a vaginal hysterectomy – the complete removal of my uterus and ovaries – was my best option. At the time I didn’t fully understand what a hysterectomy entailed, but I was in pain and wanted to put an end to my fibroids. I was 43, and I wanted to get back to living my life as quickly as possible.

While the hysterectomy did eventually cure my uterine fibroids, I wasn’t at all prepared for the side effects. I immediately went into full-blown menopause and suffered from severe hormonal imbalances that led to weight gain, excessive sweating, skin problems, fatigue, and a complete loss of sex drive. These symptoms prevented me from working, and greatly impacted my daily routine. I couldn’t play golf or do any of the other activities that I enjoy. It was a very lonely time for me.

The good news is that after several long years of hormone replacement therapy, I was able to get my body and life back in balance.

My experience with uterine fibroids taught me a lot about myself and how I want to take care of my body – with all the facts. I should have educated myself about my condition and the variety of treatment options that exist for uterine fibroids. I should have asked my doctor more questions about the surgeries he proposed and that I agreed to have. I should have talked to other women to learn from their personal experiences. Had I done this, my path to recovery might have been much different.

Now, I want to help inform other women about uterine fibroids, and encourage them to ask questions of their doctors, family, and trusted friends before making a treatment decision. Young women should know their risk so they can be better prepared to face the condition if it does develop.

If you suffer from uterine fibroids, know that you have a voice in your treatment decision. Please share the information on this Web site with other women and encourage them to do the same.

For more about Beverly Johnson click here.