Heavy Periods Are Common. They Are Not Normal. #HappyPeriod Founder Chelsea VonChaz Wants Black Women to Stop Ignoring the Signs

As Fibroids Awareness Month comes to a close, Chelsea VonChaz wants Black women to carry one message into every month that follows: pay attention to your body.

For the founder of #HappyPeriod, conversations about menstrual health are deeply personal. Fibroids have touched every level of the organization's leadership, from its co-founders to board members and volunteers. They have also shaped her own family's story.

📸 @adriandavisnow

"I was diagnosed by age 25," VonChaz shares. "My Mama underwent a hysterectomy at age 37 due to fibroids. That was enough motivation for me to advocate for myself when I started having symptoms and considered surgery."

Those experiences helped shape #HappyPeriod's commitment to educating women about one of the most common reproductive health conditions affecting Black women.

A Conversation Black Women Can't Afford to Avoid

According to statistics shared by organizations focused on Black reproductive health, most Black women will develop fibroids by age 50.

For VonChaz, that reality demands more than awareness. It requires action.

"Heavy periods are not normal—they are common. Just because many of us bleed heavily does not mean heavy bleeding is normal."

She believes generations of stigma surrounding menstruation have taught many women to dismiss symptoms that deserve immediate medical attention.

📸 @adriandavisnow

One of the biggest warning signs?

"Never ignore your blood," she says. "Always check your flow. If your flow is similar to running water, that is a major red flag. Always check for blood clots and note their size and density."

She adds that blood clots larger than a quarter should never be ignored.

More Than a Reproductive Health Issue

VonChaz describes fibroids as "trauma tumors," growths that develop within or around the uterus but often affect far more than reproductive health.

Living with fibroids can contribute to:

• Chronic fatigue

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Lethargy

• Fertility challenges

• Pregnancy complications

• Difficult postpartum recovery

"If someone has already been diagnosed with depression, stress, or anxiety," she explains, "managing fibroids can exacerbate those other conditions."

She says support systems matter just as much as treatment.

"Having a support group or someone to talk to who also deals with fibroids can make a huge difference."

Why Black Women Face Greater Risk

Researchers continue studying why fibroids disproportionately affect Black women.

VonChaz believes there likely isn't one single explanation.

"It could be environmental factors, vitamin D deficiency, diet and lifestyle, endocrine disruptors in processed food, hair and beauty products, or even stress due to racism and misogyny. Maybe all of the above."

She adds that Black women are often navigating multiple exposures simultaneously while also facing systemic barriers inside healthcare.

"I think the lack of support we receive in the healthcare system is a major problem. Too many women aren't listened to by doctors, lack access to safe hospitals and clinics, and even insurance companies create barriers when certain procedures aren't covered."

Becoming Your Own Best Advocate

One of VonChaz's strongest messages is simple:

Advocate for yourself.

She encourages women experiencing symptoms to request both abdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds and not hesitate to seek additional medical opinions.

"Always get a second or third opinion, especially when the first one doesn't feel right in your mind or gut."

She also reminds women that every healthcare institution has patient advocates available to help when concerns are dismissed.

Relief Looks Different for Everyone

VonChaz chose a minimally invasive hysteroscopy to remove smaller fibroids.

"It gave me all of the relief," she says.

She emphasizes that treatment should always be individualized based on the number, size, and location of fibroids.

"Surgery isn't always necessary. It depends on how severely the fibroids have impacted the body."

The Importance of Tracking Your Cycle

One of the simplest habits VonChaz recommends is journaling every menstrual cycle.

By documenting flow, pain, clotting, symptoms, and timing, women can bring valuable information to medical appointments and advocate with confidence.

"Use that data to ask questions. Ask for clarity. Ask them to develop a plan for your recovery. Testing, treatment—whatever it is—ask for it all."

She also encourages women to evaluate the products they use.

Many members of the #HappyPeriod community have found relief by switching from conventional disposable products to clean, organic options and reusable menstrual cups, discs, and PFAS-free period underwear.

Looking Beyond Awareness

For #HappyPeriod, education remains the foundation of prevention.

The organization has incorporated fibroids into its reproductive health curriculum, helping participants connect symptoms with potential diagnoses earlier.

Looking ahead, VonChaz hopes to see more investment in preventative research and policies that recognize menstrual health as a workplace issue.

"I believe there should be menstrual leave, separate from sick leave or maternal leave. Acknowledge the humans with periods and their unique experiences and needs."

A Human Right

As Wellness Month begins, VonChaz hopes Black women continue talking openly about their menstrual health.

"The more we talk about it, the more we normalize the conversation, eliminate the stigma, and heal the collective trauma we experience."

Her message to women living through heavy bleeding or pelvic pain is one of empowerment rather than silence.

"Women deserve to know that they have the human right to be educated about their bodies and they have complete agency to make their own decisions."

📸 @adriandavisnow

To support menstrual equity and #HappyPeriod's educational initiatives, including its FLOW program, readers can learn more and donate at http://hashtaghappyperiod.org.