Ever wonder what’s really going on behind the scenes with your favorite celebrities? While their lives might seem glamorous on the surface, some have been quietly dealing with a painful and often misunderstood condition: uterine fibroids. 

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that can cause heavy periods, bloating, pelvic pain, and extreme fatigue. They affect up to 70% of women by age 50, yet many suffer in silence, unsure of what’s normal or what options exist. 

That’s why it matters when women in the public eye speak up. From athletes to entrepreneurs and reality TV stars, these women are using their platforms to share their experiences and bring attention to a condition that’s often dismissed. 

MTV’s Challenge Star Cara Maria Sorbello

As a three-time winner of MTV’s The Challenge, Cara Maria Sorbello is known for her strength, endurance, and relentless training routine. Sorbello has made her physical health a priority over her 15 seasons on the competition show, but despite her athleticism, there was one thing she couldn’t outwork or out-train: fibroids. 

Despite her fitness, Sorbello began to notice a persistent abdominal bulge that wouldn’t go away, no matter how hard she trained. Eventually, she discovered the cause, which was a 16-centimeter fibroid that had significantly enlarged her uterus. The condition didn’t just affect how she looked. It made working out painful and competing even harder. 

What frustrated Sorbello the most was the treatment options she was initially offered. Faced with the possibility of going on medications like Lupron, which can trigger menopause-like side effects, she began looking for alternatives. That search led her to discover the non-surgical treatment called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which allowed her to address her condition without compromising her body or lifestyle. After successfully undergoing UFE, Sorbello was able to resume training to participate in upcoming Challenge events. 

Toya Johnson 

WeTV star, entrepreneur, and mom, Toya Johnson has spent much of her adult life balancing a lot at once — raising her daughters, running businesses, and navigating life in the public eye. On top of all that, she’s also been dealing with fibroids for more than a decade. 

Johnson’s symptoms weren’t just background noise. They were constant and disruptive, often showing up as heavy bleeding, severe cramping, and fatigue that made managing her career, children and business endeavors harder. While trying to keep up with her responsibilities, Johnson was also dealing with the disruption of unpredictable fibroid symptoms. 

Johnson’s decision to publicly share her experience has helped raise awareness and sparked much-needed conversations, especially among Black women who are more likely to three times as likely to suffer from fibroids but offered a smaller range of treatment options. 

Cynthia Bailey

Model, entrepreneur, and former Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member Cynthia Bailey experienced firsthand how fibroids can begin to affect daily life with uncomfortable symptoms even outside of her menstrual cycle. Bailey’s symptoms started as manageable heavy bleeding eventually progressed into more disruptive symptoms — including pelvic pressure, fatigue, and cravings linked to anemia. 

What made Bailey’s story especially impactful was that she was one of the first women to speak so openly about fibroids on national cable television. During her time on RHOA, she didn’t just mention the condition in passing. She brought viewers into her full treatment journey, helping to show what life with fibroids can really look like and raising awareness for minimally invasive options. 

By speaking out on such a visible platform, Bailey helped spark conversations about a condition that often goes undiscussed, even among close friends and family.  

Malorie Bailey

Actor and Entrepeneur Malorie Bailey’s fibroid journey began in 2013 after suffering two miscarriages and learning that fibroids were the cause. Her doctor recommended a myomectomy procedure to remove them, which allowed her to move forward. But within a few years, the fibroids returned with even more severe symptoms which is a common outcome for many women following fibroid surgery. Studies show that nearly one in four women who have a myomectomy may require a second procedure. 

It was during this frustrating time that Bailey began speaking more with her sister Cynthia, who had also gone through her own fibroid struggles. Their conversations helped Bailey recognize how common the condition was, especially within families, and opened the door to a different kind of treatment. When she learned about uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a non-surgical option, it felt like the long-term solution she had hoped for. She had UFE done in 2022 at USA Fibroid Centers and allowed cameras to film her consultation and procedure. 

Kym Lee-King

As a high-profile makeup artist balancing a fast-paced career with clients ranging from Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Mary Mary to name a few, Kym Lee-King quietly endured years of painful fibroid symptoms that caused her to develop an addiction to over-the-counter pain medication. Like many women, she put off treatment, pushing through daily discomfort while juggling her schedule and commitments. 

But eventually, Lee’s condition reached a breaking point. After years of managing symptoms on her own, Lee collapsed in the parking garage at her home from anemia caused by severe blood loss. This left her with no choice but to undergo an emergency hysterectomy. Her story highlights how fibroids can escalate when left untreated, especially when treatment is put off. 

Now, Lee raises awareness as the host of USA Fibroids Center’s Talk About “U” IG Lives to help others recognize the signs of fibroids earlier and understand the importance of exploring all available treatments. 

Your Health in Full Bloom: Live in NYC

Cara Maria Sorbello, Toya Johnson, Cynthia Bailey, Malorie Bailey, and Kym Lee-King have chosen to use their platforms to join the growing movement speaking about women’s health. This mission to bring awareness to uterine fibroids and other chronic health conditions will continue July 24, 2025, where these women will join fibroid experts on a women’s health panel at Fibroid Fighter’s ‘Your Health in Full Bloom’ Health & Wellness Expo plus Live Panel Discussion from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. followed by a VIP Reception and Concert Banquet. 

Held during Fibroid Awareness Month, ‘Your Health in Full Bloom’ aims to bring attention to common conditions like uterine fibroids that affect millions of women nationwide yet is not widely discussed. These women will share their journeys with fibroids from symptoms to diagnosis, delayed treatment and how they ultimately found relief. 

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids or are just beginning to ask questions about your health, their voices offer insight, support, and the reminder that you’re not alone. 

Follow Fibroid Fighters on social media for updates or click here to reserve your spot for this insightful discussion.