Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are the most common noncancerous tumors found in women during their childbearing years. These growths develop in or on the walls of the uterus, made of muscle and connective tissue.
Do Fibroids Cause Problems?
While many women have fibroids without symptoms, others experience pain, heavy bleeding, or both. Symptoms can vary depending on the fibroid’s location, size, and number. Common ones include heavy periods, painful periods, lower back or leg pain, and a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen.
What Causes Fibroids?
The exact cause is unknown, but it seems linked to estrogen levels. Fibroids tend to grow during pregnancy when estrogen is high and shrink after menopause when estrogen levels drop. Genetics and lifestyle factors like weight and diet may also play a role.
Diagnosing Fibroids
Fibroids are often detected during routine pelvic exams. Doctors may use ultrasounds, MRI scans, or in some cases, a hysteroscopy or laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Treatment Options
Most fibroids don’t require treatment, especially if they cause no symptoms. However, various treatment options are available for symptomatic fibroids. These depend on factors like the severity of symptoms and the woman’s desire for future pregnancies.
Medication: Medications like GnRH agonists can shrink fibroids by lowering estrogen levels but may cause side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help with pain but not bleeding. Birth control pills and hormonal IUDs may also be used.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Options include:
Hysterectomy: Partial or complete removal of the uterus, eliminating future pregnancies.
Myomectomy: Removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus, suitable for women who want to have children.
Endometrial ablation: Removal of the uterine lining, an option for some women with specific fibroid locations.
Uterine fibroid embolization: Cutting off blood supply to shrink fibroids, not suitable for those wanting to get pregnant.
Living With Fibroids
Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise may help manage fibroids by regulating estrogen levels. While fibroids are rarely cancerous, consult a doctor if you experience concerning symptoms.
Source: Medical News Today
