Uterine fibroids or leiomyomas are non-cancerous growths that usually affect women of childbearing age. These tumors or growths are made of smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and other tissues on the uterine wall. Uterine fibroids are not linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer and seldom develop into cancer. These tumors range in size – from seedlings that can’t be seen physically to large masses that enlarge the uterus. In extreme cases, multiple Buckhead fibroids can stretch the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage. Read on to explore more about these non-cancerous tumors or growths.
What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
Many women live with uterine fibroids, but the problem is usually not obvious since these growths often cause no symptoms. Healthcare providers often discover fibroids by chance during a routine gynecological exam, scan, or test. Although many women with fibroids experience no symptoms, in those that do, the symptoms vary based on the location, size, and number of tumors. Around one in three women with uterine fibroids may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, frequent urination, pelvic pain or pressure constipation, lower back pain, and discomfort during sex.
Causes of uterine fibroids
There is no specific cause of uterine fibroids but research and evidence point to various genetic changes; the genes in fibroids usually differ from those in typical uterine muscle cells. Estrogen and progesterone hormones also contribute to the growth of fibroids. These two hormones stimulate the development of the uterine wall during each menstrual cycle in preparation for pregnancy. Unlike the typical uterine muscle cells, fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause because of the decline in hormone production.
Growth factors such as insulin growth factors can also affect fibroid growth. These are substances that help the body maintain tissues. Another possible cause of uterine fibroids is the extracellular matrix, the material that causes cells to stick together. The extracellular matrix is higher in fibroids, making them fibrous. This material also stores growth factors and causes biological changes that promote fibroids’ growth.
Who is at risk of uterine fibroids?
Other than being a woman of reproductive age, there are other known risk factors for uterine fibroids. For example, race has an impact on fibroid development. Although women of childbearing age can develop these non-cancerous tumors, black women have an elevated risk than women of other racial groups. Furthermore, black women develop fibroids at a younger age; they are likely to have multiple or large fibroids and severe symptoms.
You are also likely to have uterine fibroids if your blood relatives, like your sister or mother, have the same medical condition. Other factors that appear to increase your risk of developing fibroids include obesity, drinking alcohol, and starting your period early. Eating a lot of red meat and fewer fruits, vegetables, and dairy increases your risk of developing uterine fibroids.
Potential complications
Uterine fibroids are usually not life-threatening but can cause discomfort, especially when they become large. Because these tumors cause heavy menstrual periods, one may develop anemia, which causes fatigue. The drop in red blood cells may necessitate transfusion, but this is unlikely.
Usually, fibroids don’t interfere with pregnancy, but fibroids that bulge into the uterine cavity (submucosal fibroids) can cause infertility and pregnancy loss. Fibroids also increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and preterm delivery.
If you have questions about uterine fibroids, consult your healthcare provider at Ideal Gynecology, LLC.