The award-winning actress said she chose to share her story during Fibroid Awareness Month to raise visibility and encourage policy action.

“I’m speaking up about uterine fibroids. This is my story. This Fibroid Awareness Month and beyond, I hope my experience will resonate with anyone else who has ever felt dismissed, confused, or alone,” she wrote.

To further this cause, Nyong’o announced her collaboration with U.S. lawmakers to introduce a legislative package aimed at improving outcomes for those living with the condition.

“Today, I joined Congresswomen @RepShontel, @RepYvetteClarke, @RepBonnie, @RepRobinKelly and Senators @Sen_Alsobrooks and @SenLBR in Washington, D.C. to introduce a package of uterine fibroid Congressional bills.

“These bills would expand research funding, increase early detection and interventions for uterine fibroids, study the causes of uterine cancer, and increase public awareness,” the 42-year-old actress said.

Additionally, she revealed the launch of the FWH (Foundation for Women’s Health) x Lupita Nyong’o Uterine Fibroid Research Grant in partnership with the Foundation for Women’s Health.

According to her, the initiative will fund research proposals for minimally or non-invasive treatments aimed at improving quality of life for the estimated 15 million women affected in the United States alone.