Suba North MP and Minority Chief Whip Millie Odhiambo has shared her personal story of living with undiagnosed fibroids for over two decades. In a video produced by the Fibroids Awareness Foundation of Kenya, Odhiambo revealed that she experienced severe period pain during her A-levels, which led to repeated hospital admissions every month. Despite her frequent visits to Kenyan doctors, none were able to identify the cause of her pain.
Odhiambo's symptoms began during her secondary school years and continued into her adult life, affecting her productivity and overall quality of life. She recalled feeling overwhelmed and chronically anaemic due to heavy bleeding, often wishing she could eliminate her menstrual cycle altogether. It wasn't until she received a scholarship to study at New York University that she finally received a diagnosis. American doctors identified her condition as fibroids, more than 20 years after her symptoms first appeared.
The delayed diagnosis has left Odhiambo questioning the healthcare system in Kenya. She expressed her frustration, wondering why it was impossible for Kenyan doctors to diagnose her condition. Odhiambo's experience has sparked her to support awareness efforts, particularly for young Kenyan women who may be facing similar challenges. She has thrown her support behind the Fibroids Awareness Foundation of Kenya, which aims to raise awareness and connect women with resources and interventions.
Odhiambo's story highlights the need for better access to diagnosis and education about fibroids in Kenya. She urged that more be done to ensure young women are not left in the dark about their reproductive health. The MP's experience is not isolated, and her advocacy work aims to prevent others from suffering similarly. By sharing her story, Odhiambo hopes to encourage more open discussions about women's health and improve healthcare outcomes.
In addition to her experience with fibroids, Odhiambo has also spoken about her journey with menopause. At the National Menopause Conference, she shared that after undergoing surgery, her periods stopped early, which she initially welcomed. However, when her periods unexpectedly resumed two years later, it sparked a cancer scare. Medical tests confirmed she was perimenopausal, a term she admitted knowing little about despite her extensive education.
Odhiambo's hormonal changes also caused significant hair loss, further highlighting the complexities of women's reproductive health. She emphasized the lack of public awareness surrounding menopause and perimenopause, noting that more education and resources are needed to support women navigating these life stages. By speaking openly about her experiences, Odhiambo aims to contribute to a more informed and supportive community for women in Kenya.
Through her advocacy work, Odhiambo continues to raise awareness about women's health issues, including fibroids and menopause. Her story serves as a testament to the importance of access to quality healthcare and education, particularly for young women. As she continues to support initiatives like the Fibroids Awareness Foundation of Kenya, Odhiambo hopes to inspire a wave of change in the way women's health is approached in Kenya.
Key points
- Kenyan MP Millie Odhiambo lived with undiagnosed fibroids for 20 years before receiving a diagnosis in the US.
- Odhiambo is advocating for better access to diagnosis and education about fibroids in Kenya.
- The MP's experience highlights the need for more awareness and resources to support women's reproductive health in Kenya.
