Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong’o Breaks Silence On Decades-Long Battle With 77 Uterine Fibroids And Stigma

Lupita Nyong'o opens up about the shame and physical pain of having 77 fibroids, urging women to stop suffering in silence and monitor their health.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 4:53 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from TUKO.co.ke

A Hidden Struggle Behind The Red Carpet

Lupita Nyong’o has opened up about a private medical battle that has seen her develop 77 uterine fibroids over the course of several years. In a vulnerable sit-down with ABC News Live Prime, the 43-year-old actress detailed how she maintained a high-profile career while privately enduring debilitating symptoms. Nyong’o described the tumors as ranging in size from small blueberries to large oranges, revealing that while 25 have been surgically removed, more than 50 continue to grow inside her. This disclosure marks a significant moment for the actress, who first began hinting at her health journey in 2025.

The Emotional Weight Of Reproductive Betrayal

The diagnosis brought with it an unexpected psychological burden that Nyong’o characterized as a sense of deep shame. She admitted to questioning her own lifestyle and habits, wondering how she had failed to protect or serve her body. This feeling of betrayal led her to hide her condition in plain sight, putting on a brave face for global film premieres and acting roles while struggling with extreme fatigue. The actress noted that the initial mental hurdle was overcoming the thought that she had done something wrong to cause the noncancerous growths.

Enduring Chronic Pain In The Public Eye

The physical reality of the condition involved severe menstrual complications that at one point resulted in a period lasting more than a month. Nyong’o shared that she became pre-anaemic due to heavy blood loss and chronic clotting, which left her constantly exhausted. Despite these severe health markers, she continued to fulfill her professional obligations, a feat she attributes to the societal conditioning of women. By sharing these specific details, Nyong’o aims to validate the experiences of millions of women who suffer from similar reproductive health issues in isolation.