Understanding Uterine Fibroids with Dr. Minda Green

This month’s Stay Well Health Chat brings together Dr. Minda Green and her patient Shannon Rookwood for a candid conversation about uterine fibroids.  Dr. Green is an OBGYN and the lead physician for the minimally invasive gynecologic surgery program at Virtua Health.

Uterine fibroids are incredibly common, yet too many women suffer through them in silence—or assume their heavy periods and pelvic pain are just something they have to live with. Dr. Green explains that fibroids are solid growths in the uterus that are usually benign, but can cause symptoms like heavy bleeding, bloating, pressure, pain, and constant fatigue when they grow or multiply. She also breaks down the difference between fibroids and ovarian cysts, and why proper evaluation and imaging matter when symptoms don’t feel “normal” anymore.

Shannon shares her personal journey with fibroids—from years of navigating debilitating periods and multiple fibroid-removal surgeries, to ultimately choosing minimally invasive hysterectomy with Dr. Green. She talks about how finding a permanent solution has allowed her to travel, work, and simply enjoy everyday life again.

Dr. Green also highlights the wide range of treatment options available, from medications that help control bleeding to advanced minimally invasive procedures that use small incisions to reduce pain and speed recovery time. Above all, she encourages women to trust their instincts, seek information, and partner with physicians who act as educators so they can make informed, shared decisions about their care.

Some of the topics discussed:

If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of Virtua’s minimally invasive gynecologists, call 856-325-4200.