This month’s health and wellness newsletter shines a light on an issue very Important to all women; 

FIBROIDS. 

To speak in greater depth on this matter we have interviewed Dr. Andrea Johnson, a 5-star rated African American female Gynecologist practicing in Lithonia and Decatur, Georgia. Dr. Johnson Studied at The University of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine and has been in practice 35 years post residency. 

Dr. Johnson says the best part of her job is the interaction with women and  feeling like a social worker. These aspects of her career makes easy for her to say

“I LOVE what I do !”

What is a fibroid? 

A fibroid is a non-cancerous or benign growth commonly affecting the uterus. It can feel/be like hard rock in uterus 

We are curious. Dr. Johnson, WHY ARE FIBROIDS MORE COMMON IN BLACK WOMEN?

A 2020 Michincan School of medicine study concluded “Nearly a quarter of Black women between 18 and 30 have fibroids compared to about 6% of white women, according to some national estimates. By age 35, that number increases to 60%. Black women are also two to three times more likely to have recurring fibroids or suffer from complications”

https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/understanding-racial-disparities-women-uterine-fibroids

Dr. Johnson responded, it is a unknown etiology.

How does having fibroids affect your overall health?

Fibroids' effect on a  woman's health can vary from patient to patient. The health effects due to fibroids depend on size and symptoms. Symptoms can include pain and bleeding. Fibroids symptoms can be detrimental to one’s overall health however the  size of a fibroid does not indicate a detrimental health effect.  

How can a woman prevent Fibroids? 

Dr Johnson informed us that there is no known prevention, but fibriod growth can be managed. Management of fibroids includes getting an ultrasound to determine the size. From that point, is it is each woman's choice to either get a Myomectomy, Uterine Artery Embolization or a Hysterectomy 

Is it true that hair straighteners such as perms cause fibroids?

According to the American Journal of Epidemiology recent studies have shown a link between chemical hair straighteners, such as perms, being connected to the growth of uterine fibroid… as a medical expert in the field of gynecology do you have any commentary on the subject? 

Dr. Johnson responded that the “Journal has a very small sample size , but definitely food for thought”. In order to make a conclusion like this “We need a much larger sample size over longer period of time.” 

 

 

 

It was a pleasure  Interviewing Dr. Andrea Johnson and if you are in the metro Atlanta area and in need of a Gynecologist please consider booking an appointment with Dr. Andrea Johnson. Her information is listed below;