In the world of beauty, Kym Lee-King is a powerhouse. As a celebrity makeup artist, best-selling author, CEO of WinkN’Pout, and the 2023 Fibroid Fighters “Fighter of the Year”, Lee-King spent her career making women look and feel flawless. But behind the scenes, Kym was fighting a grueling battle with fibroids, a chronic condition that affects millions.
Although 26 million U.S. women have uterine fibroids [1], many still suffer in silence due to the stigma surrounding the condition in society.
The Cost of Survival
Kym spent over a decade battling severe anemia and a “mental fog” that threatened her career and health. To manage the excruciating pain and heavy bleeding, she was “popping Ibuprofen like candy,” often taking over 1600mg a day.
“I missed events—not because I didn’t want to go, but because I would bleed so bad before I could get there,” Kym shares.
A Lack of Options
Like many women, Kym wasn’t told about non-surgical alternatives like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Exhausted by the pain and pressured by a demanding schedule, she opted for a hysterectomy—a decision she now reflects on with a sense of loss.
“I felt like something was taken from me as a woman,” she admits. Statistics show that 44% of women diagnosed with fibroids have never heard of non-surgical treatments, a gap in care that Kym is now working to bridge.
Kym’s journey serves as a call to action for women to prioritize their well-being above the demands of a busy schedule. Reflecting on the twelve years she spent delaying care to accommodate her career, she emphasizes that there is never a “perfect” time to seek help, and your health must always come first.
She advocates for a more timely approach to medical care, urging women to look beyond general practitioners and OBGYNs and consult dedicated fibroid specialists who can offer a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical options.
Kym also believes that shifting our language to describe the condition as “fibroid disease” rather than just “tumors” better reflects the gravity of this health crisis and encourages patients to take it more seriously. Ultimately, her message is one of self-advocacy to trust your instincts, and if a suggested treatment plan doesn’t feel right for your body or your future, never hesitate to seek a second opinion.
Join the Fight
As the 2023 Fighter of the Year, Kym Lee-King is using her platform to ensure no woman feels forced into a “quick fix” due to a lack of information.
The Fibroid Foundation is dedicated to supporting women as they navigate uterine fibroids, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, and various other reproductive health challenges. By providing comprehensive resources and clear information, we empower you to make healthcare decisions that align with your personal needs and lifestyle. Share your fibroid story with us. We’re here to help answer any questions you may have about uterine fibroids or other reproductive health issues.
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