Monique, a 36-year-old woman, tragically died after enduring extreme menstrual pain caused by untreated uterine fibroids, a condition that led to severe hemorrhaging—highlighting the dangerous underestimation of heavy periods in women, particularly in Black women, and the urgent need for better healthcare and awareness surrounding this life-threatening issue.

At 36 years old, Monique had always struggled with heavy periods, a common issue that many women face.

But that fateful night in early March would turn her world upside down.

It started like any other night – Monique curled up in bed, her hand instinctively going to her abdomen to soothe the usual cramps.

But this time, something felt dangerously different.

For days, she had been experiencing exceptionally heavy bleeding – so much so that she was forced to change her super pad every 30 minutes.

Blood clots the size of golf balls were passing through her, and the pain was not just limited to her stomach.

It had begun to radiate through her back, down her legs, and even into her chest.

Each contraction of pain felt like it was tearing her apart.

She didn’t think much of it at first; after all, she had been dealing with heavy periods for years, ever since her teenage years.

But this felt worse.

The pain was unbearable, and the symptoms were escalating.

A sense of fear gripped her as she began to realize that this might be something far more serious than a heavy period.

She felt herself weakening, but she pushed on, thinking it would eventually pass, as it had so many times before.

What Monique didn’t know was that her symptoms were pointing to a rare and life-threatening condition known as uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus.

But there was something else at play—something far more dangerous.

That night, Monique’s body finally gave in.

She collapsed, unable to get up, and was found by her mother just hours later.

Rushed to the hospital in critical condition, Monique was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

The medical team was baffled and shaken by what they discovered in her autopsy.

Her death, ruled as the result of a severe hemorrhage caused by the unrelenting bleeding from the fibroids, could have been prevented with early intervention.

But Monique had no idea how severe her condition was – and how the pain she thought was “normal” was in fact an indicator of a potentially fatal issue.

Doctors were quick to share the chilling truth with the public: Monique’s case wasn’t isolated.

In fact, black women are disproportionately affected by fibroids, and often don’t receive the treatment they need in time.

What’s worse, many women—like Monique—have been conditioned to believe that heavy periods are just a part of being a woman, and that they should simply “push through” the pain.

Research suggests that fibroids are more common in African-American women, and can lead to serious complications, including anemia, chronic pain, and in rare cases, hemorrhaging like Monique experienced.

Yet, for many, symptoms are dismissed by both doctors and the women themselves, who feel the pressure to accept the pain as part of everyday life.

Monique’s family has since spoken out, demanding more awareness and better healthcare for women of color.

Her mother, in particular, has called on healthcare professionals to listen more closely to women’s pain and to treat it with the seriousness it deserves.

“No woman should have to die from something like this,” she said through tears in an emotional interview.

“We need better education, better awareness, and better care.”

Her tragic death has sparked a wave of public outcry and prompted calls for better education on women’s health, particularly for those at greater risk, like black women.

Doctors are urging women to seek medical advice as soon as they notice abnormal symptoms and to not let the “normal” pain of menstruation go unchecked.

For Monique’s family, the loss is immeasurable.

But they hope her story will be a wake-up call for others who may be suffering in silence.

Monique’s mother has even launched a campaign to raise awareness about uterine fibroids, calling it the “silent killer” of women.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that periods are not just a normal part of life for many women—they can be an indication of something far more serious.

Early detection can save lives, and it’s time that the world paid attention to this crucial issue.

If you or someone you know is struggling with painful periods or unusual symptoms, seek help immediately.

Don’t wait for the pain to get worse.

Monique’s story should never be repeated.