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Healthwatch Lambeth carried out the The Brave Project to understand Black women’s experiences of fibroids and endometriosis care in Lambeth. Through interviews, focus groups and written accounts from 20 Black women, the project found that symptoms such as severe pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue and fertility concerns were frequently normalised both within communities and by healthcare professionals. Many women lived with symptoms for years before seeking help or receiving a diagnosis, often because heavy bleeding and pain were viewed as a normal part of being a woman. 

Women described the impact of fibroids and endometriosis as serious, disruptive and life-altering. Symptoms affected work, education, relationships, parenting, confidence, social life and mental wellbeing. Many organised their lives around pain, bleeding and fatigue, while some experienced severe anaemia, restricted mobility and concerns about fertility. Women frequently spoke about the emotional burden of living with long-term symptoms that were not fully understood or adequately managed. 

Experiences of healthcare were mixed. Some women described compassionate and supportive professionals who listened, explained options clearly and acted promptly. However, many reported repeated dismissal or minimisation of symptoms, often being told their experiences were “normal”, related to hormones or part of ageing. Delays to diagnosis, long waits for referrals and specialist appointments, poor communication between services and inadequate follow-up were common themes. Several women felt they had to repeatedly advocate for themselves or provide evidence of symptoms before being taken seriously. 

Race and gender were important influences on care experiences. Some women felt that assumptions about Black women’s pain tolerance, behaviour or resilience contributed to delays and dismissive responses. Others felt the high prevalence of fibroids among Black women was used to normalise symptoms rather than trigger action. Healthwatch concluded that services need to improve early recognition, listening, communication, shared decision-making, aftercare and culturally competent care. The report’s recommendations include reducing delays in diagnosis and referral, addressing racial bias, improving menstrual health education, strengthening follow-up support and involving Black women with lived experience in the design and improvement of services.