Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options

Key Takeaways:

• Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the muscular walls of the uterus.
• Symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure, painful periods, and frequent urination.
• Influenced by hormones, genetics, age, race, family history, obesity, and vitamin D deficiency.
• Detected during routine pelvic exams or prenatal ultrasounds.
• Depends on the size, number, location of fibroids, symptom severity, age, and reproductive plans.
• Many fibroids do not require treatment unless they cause severe symptoms.
• There is no proven prevention, but controlling risk factors may help.

Understanding Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are common non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination. While many women develop fibroids, especially during their reproductive years, not all experience symptoms. This article from All-Inclusive Preventive Care in Miami Lakes discusses uterine fibroids' symptoms, causes, risk factors, and various treatment options, including medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery. It also offers tips for managing fibroids and guidance on when to seek medical care.

Symptoms and Causes

Common symptoms of symptomatic uterine fibroids usually include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, constipation, backaches, and, in some cases, reproductive issues like infertility. Heavy uterine bleeding is often the most common symptom, as fibroids can distort the uterine cavity and disruption of normal blood flow.

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but they seem to be influenced by hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Fibroids develop more frequently as women age and approach menopause and tend to shrink after menopause due to lowered hormone levels. Other risk factors of uterine fibroids include family history, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and race (fibroids are 2-3 times more common in Black women).

While some small fibroids may not cause symptoms, larger fibroids or those in certain locations can. Treatment options for fibroids depend on factors such as the size and location of the fibroids, the severity of symptoms, the woman's age and reproductive plans, and the risk of potential complications.

New fibroids can develop over time, and existing fibroids can grow or cause symptoms that may require treatment. The causes of fibroids are not fully understood, but they are thought to be influenced by genetic, hormonal, and other potential risk factors.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Fibroids are often first detected during a routine pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound. If symptoms suggest fibroids are present, additional tests like an ultrasound, hysterosonogram, MRI, or hysteroscopy may be used to get a clear view of fibroids' size, number, and location before developing a treatment plan.

Treatment decisions depend on the size, number, and location of the fibroids, the severity of symptoms, age, and future pregnancy plans. Many treatment options aim to preserve the uterus:

• Medication - Birth control pills, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and other hormonal treatments can provide short-term relief by shrinking fibroids and reducing heavy bleeding.
• Uterine artery embolization - This minimally invasive procedure blocks blood flow to shrink fibroids.
• Myomectomy - Surgically removing fibroids one at a time, preserving the uterus.
• Endometrial ablation - Removing the uterine lining to control heavy bleeding in women who no longer want children.

Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be recommended for women with very large or numerous fibroids, severe symptoms not relieved by other treatments or cancerous growths.

Living with Fibroids

Most fibroids do not need treatment unless they are causing moderate or severe symptoms that negatively impact quality of life. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight can affect fibroid growth, and managing heavy menstrual bleeding is key. Iron supplements and anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve symptoms.

Uterine fibroids are common. Typically harmless, fibroids often do not cause any symptoms. However, larger fibroids can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure. Fibroids can range in size from small growths to large masses that can distort the shape of the uterus. Depending on your symptoms and the number of fibroids, treatment may or may not be necessary.

Fibroids tend to grow slowly, developing without causing any noticeable symptoms. Uterine fibroids often shrink after menopause when hormone levels decline. In some cases, fibroids can grow large enough to cause symptoms like pain or heavy bleeding in people with uterine fibroids.

Your healthcare provider can confirm that you have fibroids during a pelvic exam or through imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI. Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomata, are a benign uterine pathology, meaning they are non-cancerous growths in the uterine tissue.

Treatment options for fibroids depend on your symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, and your overall health and reproductive plans. Medications, hormonal therapies, or procedures like uterine artery embolization or myomectomy (surgical removal of the fibroids through an incision) may help shrink fibroids or alleviate symptoms associated with fibroids.

In some cases, a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) may be recommended if fibroids grow large enough to cause severe symptoms or complications and other treatments are ineffective. However, this option eliminates the possibility of future pregnancy.

While there is no definitive way to cure fibroids, treatments are available based on symptoms and the severity of the condition. Fibroids that grow large or cause significant bleeding, pain, or other symptoms may require treatment, while smaller fibroids that cause no symptoms may not need intervention.

It's important to note that even after fibroids are removed, they can potentially return, or new fibroids may develop, especially if the underlying hormonal imbalances persist. However, for many women, symptoms get better, or fibroids usually shrink after menopause when hormone levels change.

Prevention and Monitoring

There is no proven way to prevent fibroids from forming, but controlling risk factors like obesity and vitamin deficiencies may help avoid developing new or larger fibroids. Having routine pelvic exams can detect fibroids early before symptoms become severe.

All-Inclusive Preventive Care Can Help

At All-Inclusive Preventive Care, we develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each woman's unique symptoms and needs. Our experts are experienced in the latest minimally invasive fibroid procedures and hormone therapies, allowing us to take an integrated approach to uterine fibroid treatment. Don't suffer in silence—schedule an appointment at (305) 200-3141 to explore solutions for your fibroid symptoms.

FAQ

Are uterine fibroids more common during menopause?

No, fibroids tend to shrink after menopause due to lower hormone levels, like estrogen, that fuel their growth. Fibroids are most common in women in their 40s and early 50s approaching menopause.

How fast do uterine fibroids grow?

The growth rate can vary, with some fibroids remaining small indefinitely while others can grow rapidly. Factors like hormones, genetics, and blood supply can affect how quickly fibroids develop.

What should I know about fibroids and pregnancy?

Certain types of fibroids, especially submucosal fibroids that distort the uterine cavity, can lead to complications like miscarriage, preterm birth, and impaired fetal growth. Subserosal and intramural fibroids may not impact pregnancy as severely. Fibroids can also cause issues with fertility and conception. Large fibroids or those inside the uterine cavity may require treatment before attempting pregnancy to reduce risks.

Can uterine fibroids be treated?

Yes, fibroids can be treated in various ways, depending on their size, location, and severity of symptoms they cause. While small fibroids may not require treatment, larger fibroids or those causing significant bleeding, pain, or other symptoms may require intervention. Options include medications, minimally invasive procedures like uterine artery embolization, surgical removal of the fibroids (myomectomy) through an incision, or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) in severe cases.

Can fibroids cause anemia?

Heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids may cause iron deficiency anemia or other symptoms of anemia. In such cases, iron supplements or other treatments to slow or stop the excessive bleeding may also help with symptoms of anemia associated with fibroids.

Do fibroids usually return after treatment?

Even after treatment, fibroids can return in some women, especially if the underlying hormonal imbalances persist. Regular follow-up appointments and imaging tests may be necessary to monitor for new or recurring fibroids and manage symptoms accordingly.

Can you see or feel fibroids?

Depending on their size and location, fibroids may sometimes be felt during a pelvic exam or cause visible changes in the shape of the abdomen. However, many smaller fibroids are not easily detectable without imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI.

Can diet or lifestyle changes shrink your fibroids?

While there is no definitive way to make fibroids shrink or disappear entirely through diet or lifestyle changes alone, maintaining a healthy weight and diet may help manage symptoms and potentially slow fibroid growth in some cases. If you experience little to no symptoms of fibroids, you may not need treatment. However, medical treatment is sometimes necessary, especially for larger fibroids or those causing significant symptoms. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the best treatment based on your symptoms and what is causing fibroids to form.