Can hair relaxers cause uterine fibroids?

Fibroids, according to Healthline, are abnormal growths that develop in or on the uterus and can sometimes become large, causing severe abdominal pain and heavy periods, though in most cases, they cause no signs or symptoms.

According to the United States National Institute of Health, uterine fibroids affect 20-25 percent of women of reproductive age. By age 50, up to 80 percent of black women and 70 percent of white women develop fibroids. They are mostly common in women in their 40s and early 50s but can occur earlier.

In her post, X user @Sugabelly advised her followers to discontinue using hair relaxers, claiming they can cause fibroid.

Certain reactions under the posts validated the post, while others showed disbelief.

A user, @waist-cuttie, commented, “I have people that never relaxed their hair but still have fibroid; please explain.”

Another user, @nwaegbe-nkem, said, “Is any researcher proving this? I stopped relaxing my hair before I did fibroid surgery, but they are back.”

Another user, @ebiblosky, supported the claim, saying, “This one is common knowledge na (This is common knowledge). Those who have a history of fibroid or have had the surgery before should be cautious of relaxers.”

As of the time of the report, the post has garnered 248,000 views, 665 likes, 248 reposts, 55 comments, and 278 bookmarks.

Due to the divergent opinions in the comment section, DUBAWA decided to verify the claim.

Verification:

There are different causes of fibroids. Hormones could cause fibroids. They are linked to the hormones estrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries. These hormones stimulate the growth of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle and are believed to promote the growth of fibroids.

Another cause of fibroid could be genetic. Fibroids may run in families, indicating a genetic predisposition. Having a close relative with fibroid increases the risk of developing them.

Other factors, such as being overweight or obese, experiencing early onset of menstruation, and late menopause, also have the potential to cause fibroids.

According to a study highlighted by the Fibroid Institute Texas, it was stated that black women who frequently used chemical hair straighteners had a two to three times higher risk of developing fibroids.

Another study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology also stated that hair relaxers may increase the risk of uterine fibroids. It stated that the chemicals in hair relaxers, such as ammonium thioglycolate and sodium hydroxide, can penetrate the skin through scalp lesions, potentially leading to fibroids.

This is because the products in the relaxers often contain carcinogens and hormone disruptors like cyclosiloxanes, parabens, and phthalates, which can be absorbed into the body through the scalp.

These fibroids can cause severe health issues, including the need for hysterectomies. The article suggested that affected individuals should consult a doctor and consider legal action for compensation.

What experts say:

Dr Henry Iwunze, a gynecologist at Simone Hospital in Aba, explained in an interview with DUBAWA that it is plausible that hair relaxers could be linked to the development of fibroids.

“These relaxers contain various chemicals that can interact with the body’s normal hormones and enzymes,” Dr Iwunze said.

He added, “The chemicals present in hair relaxers can have side effects, including the effect on the hair itself. Although one might argue that hair relaxers are applied externally and should not affect internal organs, it is important to consider that hormones and enzymes circulate throughout the body, allowing for potential interactions that could trigger certain conditions such as fibroid.”

Mr. Qudus Lawal, a gynaecologist at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo state, also told DUBAWA that he has never seen evidence supporting this connection throughout his medical experience.

However, he acknowledged that hair relaxers contain chemicals that have been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, which is cancer of the womb.

Conclusion:

It is plausible that relaxers can present women with the risk of developing fibroids.