Episode #197: Understanding Fibroids and Treatment Options with Dr. Cheruba Prabakar

Welcome to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast with Dr. Kerry Reller! This week I am joined by Dr. Cheruba Prabakar, an OB-GYN, minimally invasive surgeon, and widely known as The Fibroid Doc. Dr. Prabakar is passionate about helping women better understand uterine fibroids, recognize symptoms, and explore treatment options that support their health, fertility, and quality of life. In this episode, we discuss what fibroids are, why they develop, and how they can affect women at different stages of life. We explore common warning signs, including heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, fatigue, and iron deficiency, along with why these symptoms should not simply be dismissed as normal or attributed to perimenopause. Dr. Prabakar explains how fibroids are diagnosed, their potential impact on fertility and pregnancy, and the treatment options available beyond hysterectomy. We also discuss the importance of seeking second opinions, advocating for your health, and making informed decisions about your care. Dr. Prabakar shares the inspiration behind her book, Fibroids Finally Heard, and her mission to empower women through education and community support. Dr. Cheruba Prabakar is a board-certified OB/GYN and fellowship-trained minimally invasive surgeon. After working in corporate medicine for eight years, she knew that there had to be a way for healthcare to be more personal—for both the patient and the physician. She founded Lamorinda Gynecology & Surgery in 2022 in pursuit of her vision of healthcare built upon patient-centered, unhurried, all-inclusive care. Known across social media as “@thefibroiddoc”, Dr. Prabakar is also the author of Fibroids: Finally Heard (2026), a practical guide that walks readers through their journey from diagnosis to recovery. Born in a small town in South India, Dr. Prabakar’s dedication to women’s healthcare was influenced by the hardships faced by female family and community members that she witnessed during her youth. 00:17 Introduction to Dr. Cheruba Prabakar 02:02 What Are Uterine Fibroids? 04:15 Why Heavy Bleeding Shouldn't Be Ignored 05:35 Fibroids vs. Perimenopause 06:49 Diagnosing Fibroids with Ultrasound 08:24 Warning Signs and Iron Deficiency 10:58 How Fibroids Affect Fertility and Pregnancy 13:51 What Causes Fibroids? 15:25 Treatment Options Beyond Hysterectomy 21:18 Advocating for Your Health and Fibroid Resources Connect with Dr. Prabakar Instagram:   / thefibroiddoc   Tiktok:   / thefibroiddoc   YouTube:    / thefibroiddoc   Website: https://www.thefibroiddoc.com/ Connect with Dr. Reller Podcast website: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprou... LinkedIn:   / kerryrellermd   Facebook:   / clearwaterfamilymedicine   Instagram:   / clearwaterfamilymedicine   Tiktok:   / kerryrellermd   Clearwater Family Medicine and Allergy website: https://sites.google.com/view/clearwa... Podcast: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprou... Subscribe to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon music, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Pandora.