What would you give up to “fit in” and be accepted? For Jenny Mitchell, the first woman to file a hair relaxer lawsuit for uterine cancer, the desire to conform to society’s beauty standards cost her the ability to have children. But that’s not a choice she made willingly. She didn’t know that hair relaxing chemicals can cause uterine issues like fibroids and cancer.
Now that research has brought the truth to light, many women are thinking twice before applying straightening chemicals to their hair, as it can lead to uterine fibroids and potentially cancer. While a uterine fibroids lawsuit may not generate sufficient legal action, it’s crucial to acknowledge that fibroids can escalate to cancer, potentially necessitating legal recourse.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They’re composed of muscle tissue and fibrous connective tissue. They can vary in size, ranging from tiny nodules to large masses rivaling a grapefruit.
Fibroids can develop anywhere in the uterus and may grow inside the uterine cavity. Having them is fairly common, and some women don’t have any symptoms from them. But that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.
When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Prolonged menstrual periods
- Blood clots during your period
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Pelvic cramping
- A feeling of fullness in your lower belly
- Enlarged or swollen abdomen
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation
- Backache or leg pains
- Pain during intercourse
Having fibroids can lead to infertility, miscarriage, or pregnancy complications. In rare cases, a type of cancer called leiomyosarcoma can develop within a fibroid. And that’s why the link between chemical hair straighteners and fibroids is a concerning issue.
A woman may consider filing a uterine fibroids lawsuit if her fibroids have significantly impacted her health and well-being, or led to cancer. And with research ongoing, it’s almost certain that we’ll see the number of relaxers and fibroids lawsuits surge in the near future.
Do Hair Relaxers Cause Uterine Fibroids?
There’s a lot of debate swirling around the issue of hair relaxers and fibroids. Studies have suggested a possible association. In particular, the “Sister Study”, a bombshell report published by the National Institutes of Health, made it clear that there’s a link between these products and uterine issues.
Here are some of the study’s most important points:
- Women who use hair straightening products are at greater risk for uterine cancer.
- The rate of uterine cancer is rising in Black women, likely because of their higher use of hair relaxers.
- Parabens, bisphenol A, metals, and formaldehyde in hair products could be to blame for uterine issues, including fibroids and cancer.
- Permanent hair dye and straighteners may increase breast and ovarian cancer risk.
- There are potential correlations between frequent hair relaxer use and uterine issues, including fibroids.
- The findings are consistent with prior studies that showed hair relaxers can increase the risk of hormone-related cancers in women.
Some chemical hair relaxers contain toxic ingredients, including lye (sodium hydroxide), which can be absorbed through the scalp and into the bloodstream. Researchers theorize that certain chemicals in hair relaxers may disrupt hormone levels or have estrogen-like effects. This could cause fibroids to develop. However, they need more research to establish a definitive connection between hair relaxers and uterine fibroids.
Uterine Fibroids Lawsuits
Jenny Mitchell was only the first to file a hair relaxer lawsuit. Many other related lawsuits followed her. There are now thousands of claims related to hair relaxers and the following conditions:
- Uterine fibroids
- Uterine cancer
- Breast cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Hormone-related cancers
- Reproductive problems
Litigation is still ongoing. As of April 2024, there were 8,000 cases pending. In addition, several studies suggest that hair relaxers (containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates and parabens) may be linked to early puberty in young girls.
Meanwhile, the makers of many hair relaxing products have denied any wrongdoing. Some have claimed that they thoroughly test their products and don’t use harmful chemicals, although evidence points to the contrary.
Most of the current litigation involves the following products and companies:
- Just for Me (TCB Naturals/Godrej Consumer Products)
- Motions (Strength of Nature Global, LLC)
- Dark & Lovely, Ultra Sheet (L’Oréal)
- ORS Olive Oil Hair Relaxer (Namaste, LLC)
- Revlon
Do You Qualify for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit?
Explore potential legal options if you’ve experienced health issues after using hair relaxer products. If you’re dealing with one of the health conditions below, reach out to discuss your situation.
- Uterine Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Endometrial cancer
A hair relaxer uterine fibroids lawsuit may be viable in the future. Women who have health issues that may relate to their use of chemical straighteners should stop using these products and contact their doctors.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer after using hair relaxers, we invite you to call us for a free case review.