Let’s talk about something I had never heard of until recently: fibroids. When I first came across the word, I honestly thought it sounded like some kind of skincare ingredient or a made-up term you’d see in a sci-fi movie. Spoiler: it’s not either of those things.

Fibroids are growths that develop in or around the uterus, and they’re actually super common. Like, so common that once you start talking about them, everyone suddenly knows someone who has them. But for some reason, they’re not really something people talk about, which is wild to me because they can have a big impact on your day-to-day life.

For me, they’ve definitely changed how I feel in my body. There’s no “sucking in” or pretending they’re not there, they’re just there. So no, I’m not fat and no, I haven’t gained weight — I just have fibroids. Some days, that’s fine. Other days, I catch myself feeling frustrated or self-conscious because my stomach doesn’t look like it used to, and there’s not much I can do about it.

And here’s the thing: I’ve always loved fashion. Dressing up, experimenting with trends, playing around with outfits has always been my happy place. But lately, I haven’t felt as excited about it. I find myself dressing more “safe,” choosing pieces that make me feel comfortable rather than ones that push me creatively. It’s strange when something that usually brings you so much joy suddenly feels harder.

Day to day, living with fibroids is unpredictable. Some days, I barely think about it. Other days, I’m very aware of it. It’s one of those invisible things that quietly affects how you feel, both physically and emotionally.

But the more I learn about fibroids, the more I realize how common they are and how many people are quietly going through the same thing. It’s a reminder that our bodies are constantly changing, and that doesn’t make them any less beautiful or worthy of love.

None of us are doctors over here, but we are experts at noticing when something feels… off. If your body’s been sending you little “umm, hello??” messages, here are a few things that might be worth paying attention to:

• Super heavy periods — like you’re suddenly going through products way faster than your usual rhythm
• Periods that drag on longer than your standard cycle
• A constant bloated or pressured feeling in your lower stomach that doesn’t match your usual cycle vibes
• Running to the bathroom more often even though you haven’t suddenly doubled your water intake
• A dull ache in your lower back or pelvis that keeps hanging around
• Cramps that feel turned up a notch compared to what you normally deal with

None of these automatically mean anything serious, so don’t stress yourself out — bodies can be dramatic sometimes. But if you notice a pattern or things feel new/weird for you, checking in with a doctor is always the move. Peace of mind > guessing games.

Now that I’m recovering from fibroid surgery, I’m learning to slow down and really listen to my body. It hasn’t been easy stepping out of my usual routine, but I’m trying to see this time as a reset — a chance to take care of myself, rebuild my confidence, and ease back into feeling like me again. I know it’ll take a bit of time, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come already, and I’m so excited to start dressing up again and having fun with fashion the way I love.

Love, Laura

PS: if you’ve got fibroids, are dealing with symptoms, or just wanna chat, slide into my DMs on Instagram @lauradelgrossoo — I’m always happy to talk or just listen 🤍