- 9 hours ago
A stage talk that moves the fibroid conversation from whispered to public. Expect real answers and real strategies from key voices in Black women's health — leading clinicians, advocates, and women living with fibroids who refuse to keep the conversation quiet.
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00:00Welcome, welcome.
00:01I know we've done introductions, but I want to set the stage.
00:04We are talking about fibroids.
00:06We are talking about heavy bleeding.
00:09We are talking about periods.
00:11And periods belong at Essence Fest as well.
00:15Period.
00:16So we're going to get started, period.
00:18I'm going to start with Dr. Gillespie Bell.
00:22I respect you as a colleague, and I want to know from a medical perspective how common
00:29is heavy menstrual bleeding, truly.
00:31And what are some signs that many of the women in here miss?
00:36Thank you so much.
00:37Thank you all for being in my hometown of New Orleans.
00:40I'm so happy to see y'all here.
00:42So the first thing to know is that one in three women experience heavy menstrual bleeding.
00:48That means if you came with two girlfriends, one of y'all is having heavy bleeding and
00:53you need to have a talk in the car when you're on the way home.
00:55But that is a very, very common thing we see.
00:59What I usually see women miss or ignore is they believe that if they can change their life
01:05around their period, that it's okay.
01:08I want you to know that common is not normal.
01:12Yeah.
01:12If you are having to bring a change of clothes with you, if you're having to miss work because
01:18your cycles are so painful, if you're having to wear a pad, a tampon and putting some shorts
01:23underneath your skirt, that is not normal.
01:27Blood is life.
01:28And when you're losing it, you are losing your life.
01:31Wow.
01:32So I heard three important things.
01:34One in three women, if just because it's common doesn't mean it's normal.
01:38And blood is life.
01:41Okay.
01:42I'm going to you, Alexandra.
01:44We talked about heavy flow, but I need you in your best wording to explain what does that
01:50really mean for someone who develops the product?
01:54Yeah.
01:55It means so much.
01:57I have had such a privilege in my career to spend time with so many women on their couches,
02:03in their living rooms, at their kitchen table, on their patio.
02:07It doesn't matter where it is, but the conversations are so deep and so intimate.
02:11And what I often hear is just how impactful heavy bleeding is.
02:15Yes.
02:16Missing work due to the flow, due to the pain.
02:19Women who have like a bag that they stick on a chair because it's not okay to sit on their
02:24own furniture during their period.
02:25Wow.
02:26Furniture off limits.
02:27Yes.
02:28Women who even explain that they're so worried about their spouse rolling into a puddle of
02:34blood.
02:34Wow.
02:35That they can't even sleep together on their period.
02:37Wow.
02:38And this stuff is so impactful, but it's such an important conversation.
02:42It's not just about the product.
02:44It's really about breaking that stigma because that allows us to think about innovation that
02:49allows us to really normalize.
02:51So innovation that allows people to live their lives fully.
02:55I love that Angel, I understand that CVS is a health destination, but why are you uniquely
03:03positioned to be a part of this conversation as it relates to heavy periods?
03:08Now, that's a good question.
03:11Why is CVS uniquely positioned?
03:13I'm a merchant and merchants, we love data and we love information for our customers.
03:18So I'm going to start with a poll.
03:19Can you guys hear me good?
03:21Okay.
03:22How many of you live within 10 miles of a CVS?
03:27Ooh.
03:28Okay.
03:29Our statistic says 90% of our customers live within 10 miles.
03:33That's why we're uniquely positioned.
03:35We are in your neighborhood.
03:38We, you come to us, you trust us at the pharmacy.
03:41And so what we've been doing for a very long time over the past couple of years, I have
03:46a great team who's out in the audience.
03:48Sasha and Shakayla.
03:49They have been working tirelessly to bring innovation that supports women, not just for
03:56heavy flow, but from your first period all the way through menopause and beyond and everything
04:02in between.
04:04So bringing in a product like Always Heavy Flow was just second nature for us.
04:09Yes.
04:09It was the next step in supporting women along their journey.
04:13We've done things with women's health that's incredible.
04:16Lowering the pink tax for women.
04:18Yes.
04:18We've given over a million products, sanitary protection products to women.
04:23And we're educating them through our website.
04:26So all of this is just a natural flow for us because we want to show up for you, the
04:31customer,
04:32and meet you where you are.
04:34We want you to see yourself reflected in the aisle.
04:37Yes.
04:37And we do that with great innovation and product.
04:39So you're positioned within 10 miles of 90% of folks.
04:43And then you support from first period to menopause.
04:47Absolutely.
04:47That's excellent.
04:48Excellent.
04:49Soteria, we did not forget about you.
04:51Now, you know better than anybody that fibroids are a significant health issue, particularly
04:57in the black community.
04:58So can you share first why it's so crucial to call out that disproportionate impact?
05:04And then second, what the Fibroid Foundation is doing to address it?
05:09Sure.
05:09So thank you all for being here.
05:11Did you know that up to 80% of women of African descent the world over have uterine fibroids?
05:19And in the United States, that translates into 26 million, million reproductive age women.
05:28Wow.
05:28And I didn't know that when I started the Fibroid Foundation after my third of four surgeries.
05:34I thought I was alone in my journey.
05:36And I really want you all to understand that you are not alone.
05:39Just as Dr. Gillespie Bell said, one in three.
05:43So what the Fibroid Foundation is doing to address this gap is to reduce stigmas through educating our community,
05:51giving you handouts and lists to be able to take questions to your doctor.
05:57We advocate on Capitol Hill through congressional briefings and policy.
06:02We start research efforts and we've written over 40 research papers.
06:08We're on the medical board exam in many states.
06:12And then lastly, we consult to pharmaceutical companies to make sure that the products that you interface with have a
06:20patient sensitivity built into them.
06:24So you are not alone if you are living with fibroids and there is community that backs up their work
06:31with true action.
06:32That is excellent.
06:33Dr. Gillespie Bell, back to you.
06:36Following up on that, what are some key pieces of advice you give patients, especially black women,
06:41regarding fibroids as it relates to early detection and treatment?
06:48So the first thing I would say, and I think it needs to be said very loudly, is that a
06:54hysterectomy is not your only option.
06:57Hold on.
06:57Say that again.
06:58Did y'all hear that?
06:59A hysterectomy is not your only option for treatment for fibroids.
07:04If someone tells you it is, that is not the truth.
07:07Oh, sorry.
07:07It is not true.
07:09And the data shows that for black women, we are less likely to be offered minimally invasive treatment options.
07:16We are pushed to surgery.
07:18And I find so many women coming into my office that have delayed care because they have been told or
07:24they think that a hysterectomy is the only option.
07:27That is not the case.
07:29We have medications that now are FDA approved for treating heavy menstrual bleeding associated with fibroids.
07:36We have uterine sparing procedures that can be done where you don't even have to go to the operating room,
07:43where you are back at work within a week or two of the procedure.
07:48And hysterectomy is a great option for some women.
07:51And that is a great route that can be done minimally invasive in a lot of cases.
07:56But that is the main thing I want women to know.
08:00Again, it takes three years, three doctors usually before women are diagnosed with fibroids.
08:06And then even after that, there is delay in treatment just because there is a lack of understanding that there
08:12are so many options available.
08:15And if you are going to a doctor that is not giving you those options, you need another doctor.
08:21Ooh.
08:22Wow.
08:22Period.
08:24Okay.
08:25Wow.
08:25Three years and three doctors on average to get diagnosed.
08:28So, yes, we have to advocate for ourselves in these situations and know our options.
08:34Thank you, Dr. Gillespie Bell.
08:36Alexandra, back to you.
08:38Looking at innovation, what are some of the exciting advancements or technologies that always is bringing that directly address the
08:47needs of those with heavy flow?
08:50As a scientist, as a product developer, I am really excited to share.
08:54You know, all those conversations I was talking about earlier led us to understand that there was a gap in
09:00what was needed and what was available in pads.
09:02Yes.
09:03So, we developed always maxi size six.
09:06It was just launched this year.
09:07Wow.
09:08Hey.
09:09That's huge.
09:10That is huge.
09:12Congratulations.
09:13And it was built on a couple of things.
09:15First, obviously, it is more absorbent.
09:18It has more coverage, especially in the back.
09:21But it has a couple of other important features.
09:23So, one thing that we have not talked about today and somehow no one wants to talk about is clots.
09:30Blood clots.
09:31Yeah.
09:32We had a woman explain to us one time she was in a gym class and a clot rolled off
09:36her pad and splat onto the floor.
09:39How embarrassing.
09:40So, we added leak guard cuffs, which actually help prevent clots from rolling off the side, can deal with heavy
09:45flow.
09:46But it's also important to have dignity.
09:48A pad should give you dignity.
09:50Yes.
09:50So, we made it beautiful.
09:51We made it feel nice.
09:54And so, if you think about what does that mean?
09:57When we brought the product back to the office for the first time, the first prototype we had, I remember
10:02showing some of my coworkers and they're like, oh, that seems a little too much.
10:07I said, if it's too much, it's probably not for you.
10:10Ooh.
10:11Ooh.
10:11Yes.
10:12So, we took it back to some of the women who had shared their stories with us.
10:16And I remember one of them telling me, you know, you made this for me.
10:21Wow.
10:21So, that's the power of conversation.
10:24And it's not just about innovation.
10:27It's about driving a bigger change.
10:29That is excellent.
10:30Excellent.
10:31So, it's not just about innovation.
10:33Yes.
10:33Clap it up.
10:35Yes.
10:35Innovation that centers dignity.
10:37That is huge.
10:38Thank you for the work you do, Alexandra.
10:41All right, Angel.
10:41How does CVS ensure that women struggling with heavy periods or fibroids can easily find trusted products and health resources
10:50on your shelves and online?
10:53So, that's a great question.
10:56We get to work with partners like Procter & Gamble to bring products to life on shelves.
11:01But we can't just sit them there and expect you to find it.
11:04So, the team works really hard to figure out ways to make it more accessible for our consumer.
11:11Products that range from period underwear to cups to liners, light bladder leakage.
11:17We've even launched a menopause section in our store.
11:21Wow.
11:21We're thinking outside the box.
11:24One fun product that we just brought in were emotional pickles.
11:28You can hold them and squeeze them for that mental health.
11:32So, it's not just about one section of the planogram, but it's the full picture.
11:37Even taking the size six and larger heavy flow pads to the top of the shelf versus where it traditionally
11:44sits at the bottom.
11:45So, you can walk in, find what you need.
11:48But that doesn't just happen in the store.
11:50We're thinking about 360 how you shop.
11:54You don't just shop in store.
11:55You're online.
11:56You're on apps.
11:57And we're making it easy for you to search our items.
12:00You can get it delivered.
12:02You can pick up in store.
12:03There's just a wide range.
12:05And then taking it a step further and adding education to our website so you can find information about the
12:12needs that you have.
12:13It's really about showing up for the customer in the way she wants to shop in real moments every day.
12:19Wow.
12:19So, you get into the mind of your customer and make sure that their shopping experience supports their needs.
12:25Absolutely.
12:25Absolutely.
12:25That's excellent.
12:27Ceteria, from your perspective, what is one key message you help women take away today about advocating for their health
12:34and finding solutions for heavy periods or fibroids?
12:38So, that's a great question.
12:40How many of you have been sitting in a meeting having unbearable cramping and just smiled through the meeting at
12:47work or thought that you had to sit there and just deal with it?
12:50Okay.
12:51So, suffering and the stigma that you must sustain suffering is what we want to overcome.
12:59Yes.
12:59So, we are here for you through our chapters, through this wonderful partnership with Always Brand to destigmatize heavy menstrual
13:08bleeding and to make it okay for you to speak up for what you need to have a better quality
13:15of life.
13:15Because you should be revered for everything you carry personally and throughout the community instead of stigmatized for that.
13:24Wow.
13:26Clap it up.
13:27I just want to say I saw some hands rise where you said you've been bleeding in meetings and just
13:32pushing through.
13:33And I want to hold space for you because we are going to continue this conversation at the Always booth
13:39in Talking Circles.
13:41And so, if this speaks to you uniquely, those hands that raise, meet us at the Always booth and let
13:46us know you want to continue the conversation.
13:50I'll be over there and I'll be happy to talk with you along with some of our panelists.
13:53Now, final thought, this is for each one of you and so we can start on this end and end
13:59with Alex if that's okay.
14:01What is one actionable step every woman in this audience can take to better understand her personal flow and overall
14:10well-being?
14:12So, I would say log your symptoms because you're the expert in your body.
14:20Yes.
14:20And the ideal scenario is for you to bring what you know about your body to your provider and then
14:27they provide their expertise and you collaborate to find a unique solution that works for you.
14:33It's called shared decision making.
14:35Wow.
14:36Log your symptoms and be the expert in your body.
14:40Excellent.
14:41Dr. Gillespie-Bell.
14:42So, a lot of times when I am giving lectures or I'm talking at conferences, I always end with this.
14:50You need a test by Tuesday.
14:53So, what is the one thing that you can do by Tuesday to help another woman?
14:58Who is that one person in your circle that you can tell the information that you have learned today?
15:05Yes.
15:06Again, one in three women have heavy menstrual bleeding.
15:09So, someone that you know is not here today and not hearing this conversation.
15:14So, my challenge is to, by Tuesday, find one woman that you can share this information with.
15:20Wow.
15:20Text by Tuesday.
15:21Share this information with someone in your life.
15:24One in three women are going to have heavy bleeding.
15:26So, someone in your circle needs this education.
15:30Angel?
15:31I love that advice.
15:32And I'm going to take it a step further and make it about product.
15:37Test product.
15:38Try different things.
15:40Look at the vitamins that you need to be taking on a daily basis.
15:44And once you find the thing that works for you, share it with your friend.
15:49Share it on Instagram or TikTok so other people can know your journey.
15:53But then get inspired by what you're doing and what you figured out.
15:57You are your own expert.
15:59Yes.
15:59So, share your knowledge.
16:01Share your knowledge.
16:02This is Instagram, TikTok.
16:03There are some influencers in this space.
16:05And all of you have influence in your community.
16:08Share the knowledge.
16:09Excellent, Angel.
16:10And then Alex?
16:11So, you said you're your own expert.
16:13You are also your own advocate.
16:16Yes.
16:17So, if there's one thing that I think is really important to learn is that it's okay to talk about
16:23periods.
16:24And it's more than okay.
16:25It may lead to the right diagnosis.
16:27It may lead to you finding the right product.
16:30It's going to lead to a conversation that's going to make change.
16:33So, learn.
16:33It's okay to talk about periods.
16:35And I'm going to add to this just in my work as a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist.
16:41Don't leave the next generation behind.
16:45Everything that you worked to learn about your body.
16:48Everything you did to advocate for yourself.
16:50Pass it on.
16:51So, the next group of girls.
16:53Your daughters.
16:53Your nieces.
16:54Do not have to fight the same fight that we had to.
16:57Raise an applause for this incredible dynamic panel.
17:01Thank you so much.
17:02Thank you so much.
17:03Thank you so much.
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