This article is sponsored by AbbVie
Uterine fibroids affect more than 80 percent of Black patients by the age of 50, compared to almost 70 percent of Caucasian patients, according to The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). 1
For Black patients, fibroids tend to be more severe in their reproductive years and cause more intense symptoms, NCBI notes. 1
While most fibroids are non-cancerous, they do have symptoms that can be hard to manage such as heavy menstrual bleeding. Because some patients can be asymptomatic or due to individual coping mechanisms, there may be a delayed diagnosis of about 3.6 years, NCBI adds. 1
Why the delay?
Veronica Gillispie-Bell, MD, MS, who is a paid sponsor of AbbVie, is a practicing OB-GYN and section head of women’s services at Ochsner Kenner in New Orleans. She has dedicated nearly 20 years to researching uterine fibroids. In her experience, she believes systemic racism and health disparities play a major part in Black patients not being heard. She also believes a lack of dialogue plays a major part. “Our society has normalized heavy menstrual bleeding and that as long as we can still function and move, we’re okay,” she says.
For most patients, talking about periods is taboo and can be embarrassing or uncomfortable, but it’s those conversations that will raise more awareness about fibroids and help patients receive an earlier diagnosis. “Because we don’t talk about it, you only know how heavy your period is, so we have to have these conversations,” Dr. Gillispie-Bell adds.
There are three types of fibroids: 2
Fibroids can grow as a single tumor, or there can be many of them in the uterus. They can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grapefruit.2 There are no known causes for fibroids
The first step in determining if you may have fibroids is to look at the symptoms. One of the main symptoms of uterine fibroids is heavy menstrual bleeding.
Dr. Gillispie-Bell asks her patients specific questions to figure out how to move forward, such as how often they change their pads or tampons.
“If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours, then that means your cycle is heavy,” she says. “Additionally, if you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding. If you have this type of bleeding, speak with your doctor.”
Getting the proper treatment starts with you. If you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids, it’s important to see a doctor and voice your concern. If your doctor is dismissive or does not take your concerns seriously, find a doctor that will listen.
“If you are going to your provider and saying I have these different symptoms, and they’re dismissive, then that is probably not the provider for you because doctors should acknowledge whatever symptoms the patient is presenting,” Dr. Gillispie-Bell notes. “But especially if you’re saying I’m having heavy menstrual bleeding, and someone says that’s normal then that may not be the provider for you.”
Dr. Gillispie-Bell reminds patients that they should mutually decide care with their doctor. She advises patients to avoid pressure to agree to recommendations with which they are not comfortable.
When Dr. Gillispie-Bell became a medical student, there were not many options for patients with fibroids. “My mom was diagnosed with fibroids and had a hysterectomy. It was the right solution for her, but at the time, I didn’t know what a fibroid was, so I started researching.”
Be sure to do your own research and make sure your doctor is giving you every possible option. “We live in a time with a plethora of media and access to information, so I encourage patients to equip themselves with information on all the options that are available, so they are able to ask the questions if your provider is not bringing up all options available for you,” she adds.
So what are the options? 3
Surgical options may include myomectomy where the fibroid is surgically removed or hysterectomy where the entire uterus is surgically removed.
Last year, the FDA approved ORIAHNN® (elagolix, estradiol, and norethindrone acetate capsules; elagolix capsules) as an oral medication indicated to manage heavy menstrual bleeding due to uterine fibroids in premenopausal women. Oriahnn should not be taken for more than 24 months. It is not known if Oriahnn is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.
Oriahnn may increase your chances of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots, especially if you are over 35 years of age and smoke, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and/or are obese. Stop taking Oriahnn and talk to a doctor right away if you have symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot.
Please see additional Important Safety Information for Oriahnn below.
Dr. Gillispie-Bell stresses the importance of having conversations with not only your doctor, but the women around you because it will raise more awareness about fibroids. “Our periods shouldn’t be a secret. These conversations could make a huge difference in our health,” she says.
To learn more about Oriahnn and how to talk to your gynecologist, visit ORIAHNN.com.
Please click to see the Full Prescribing Information, including the Medication Guide.
ORIAHNN® (elagolix, estradiol, and norethindrone acetate capsules; elagolix capsules) is a prescription medicine used to control heavy menstrual bleeding related to uterine fibroids in women before menopause. It should not be taken for more than 24 months. It is not known if Oriahnn is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
What is the most important information I should know about Oriahnn?
Oriahnn may cause serious side effects, including:
Cardiovascular Conditions
Do not take Oriahnn if you:
What should I discuss with my HCP before taking Oriahnn?
Tell your HCP about all your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your HCP about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Women on thyroid or cortisol replacement therapy may need increased doses of the hormone.
Keep a list of your medicines with you to show to your HCP and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
What should I avoid while taking Oriahnn?
What are the possible side effects of Oriahnn?
Oriahnn can cause additional serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of Oriahnn include hot flashes, headache, fatigue, and irregular periods.
These are not all of the possible side effects of Oriahnn. Tell your HCP if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Call your HCP for medical advice about side effects.
Take Oriahnn exactly as your HCP tells you. The recommended oral dosage of Oriahnn is one yellow/white capsule in the morning and one blue/white capsule in the evening, with or without food.
This is the most important information to know about Oriahnn. For more information, talk to your doctor or HCP.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
If you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help. Visit AbbVie.com/myAbbVieAssist to learn more.
Please see the Full Prescribing Information, including the Medication Guide.
US-ORIA-210283
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