Do Hair Relaxers Heighten The Risks Of Developing Fibroids?

By Favour Agbai

28 July 2024 | 7:00 pm

Millions of black women around the world use hair relaxers. This potentially exposes them to harmful chemicals through scalp lesions and burns. The link between hair relaxers and health issues like fibroids is becoming increasingly evident. Making it essential to scrutinise the products women use and their potential effects on health. On December 30, 2020,…

On December 30, 2020, Nigerian star actress Ini Dima Okojie revealed she had undergone invasive surgery to remove fibroids from her stomach. The surgery was successful, and she healed well. However, more than three years after that myomectomy, the fibroid is back. Okojie shared this in a post on her Instagram account on July 17.

“I definitely don’t want to do another surgery anytime soon. This time I want to take a more holistic approach in shrinking the fibroids,” Okojie said in the video.

She’s offering to pay for 20 women to get their screening done and hopes to create awareness. And also provide a platform for women dealing with fibroids to share their experiences and support each other.

“Too many black women go through this, and I feel like it isn’t talked about enough,” Okojie explained.

Okojie’s struggle with fibroids is not an isolated case. Thousands of Nigerian women are battling the same problems. According to the Support Association for Fibroids Awareness (SAFA), Nigeria is battling a high prevalence of fibroids. A 2023 study also reveals the prevalence of fibroids was 51.9% for women between the ages of 26-35 years. And 44.6% for those between 36-45 years.

The exact cause of fibroids is unclear. Experts suggest that hormones and genetics might make one more likely to develop them. Some experts have suggested that increased consumption of red meat, alcohol, and excessive use of oral contraceptives can also heighten fibroids risks. Studies have also shown that women—especially black women—who use hair relaxers are more likely to develop fibroids. In comparison to those who have never used such products.

What are fibroids?

Illustration of fibroids. Photo – Pixabay

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) tumours that grow in the uterus. They are made up of muscle fibres and often appear during childbearing age. Fibroids can vary in size and number, ranging from as small as a pea to as large as a melon. In extreme cases, they can fill up the stomach area, making one look pregnant.

Symptoms

Often, small fibroids do not cause any discomfort. But larger fibroids can display a variety of symptoms, such as painful sexual intercourse, bleeding between periods. And also excessive or painful bleeding during periods. Other symptoms include low back pain, constipation, frequent urination. It also includes the inability to completely empty the bladder, and, in some cases, trouble urinating.

Scientific studies

A 2012 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology observed an “increased risk of uterine leiomyomata in association with every use of hair relaxers, duration of use, frequency of use, and total number of burns experienced during use.” The study explained that many hair relaxers contain chemicals that are considered ‘hormone disruptors’.

After tracking more than 55,000 women for 25 years, a more recent study conducted by Boston University’s Black Women’s Health Study noted that fibroid had a higher occurrence among women who have used hair relaxers consistently for 10 years than among those who rarely did. It was discovered that premenopausal women who reported using hair relaxers more than twice a year for more than five years had more than a 50% chance of developing uterine cancer. The researchers also noted that women who use hair relaxers at least seven times a year are 30% more likely to develop breast cancer.

Although benign, uterine fibroids are associated with maternal morbidity and hysterectomy. While one can’t do anything about family history, being selective about the hair products one consumes will go a long way towards protecting one’s health.

“We now know that many hair products contain chemicals that are considered carcinogenic and/or hormone disrupters, leading to increased risk of medical issues such as fibroids,” said Shirley McDonald of US-based Hair and Scalp Clinic.

What exactly are these chemicals?

According to researchers, “The main ingredient of ‘lye’ relaxers is sodium hydroxide; ‘no-lye’ relaxers contain calcium hydroxide, and ‘thio’ relaxers contain thioglycolic acid salts. Products may also contain hormonally active compounds, such as phthalates, which are not required to be listed separately as ingredients and are often reported under the term ‘fragrances’ or ‘perfume’.”

Phthalates from cosmetic products can be absorbed by the skin or inhaled and have shown oestrogen effects in cell models and experimental animals, though their role in humans is unclear. They may also contain other ingredients like formaldehyde, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), parabens, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs); each of these chemicals shares a common bond—hormone disruption, as well as an increased risk of developing fibroids, asthma, infertility, and even cancer.

That’s a hefty price to pay for shiner hair.

0 Comments

cancel reply