Fibroids at a glance – All you need to know about Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that occur within the uterus. They usually appear during a woman’s childbearing years. These tumors often become very large and may cause serious pains in the abdomen as well as heavy menstrual flow. In some cases, though, fibroids come with no signs and symptoms whatsoever.

Several women in New York today live with fibroids without knowing it becomes they experience no symptoms. However, the growths are typically regarded as benign, although they can impair a woman’s quality of life.

Fibroids go by different names, including:

• Uterine fibroids
• Myomas
• Uterine myomas
• Leiomyomas
• Fibromas

Signs and symptoms of fibroid

Only about 25% to 50% of women living with fibroids will experience the signs and symptoms. These include:

• Heavy period
• Menstrual flow lasting over seven days
• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Constipation
• Pain in the lower back and legs
• Pain or discomfort in the pelvis
• Rectal pressure
• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
• Swelling in the abdomen.

Cure for fibroids

Unfortunately, the cure for fibroids remains unknown. However, you can manage the growth and pain. It’s advisable to contact a fibroid specialist nyc as soon as you start observing the symptoms. Since it doesn’t always come with symptoms, it’s a great idea to have a checkup as soon as you enter your childbearing years to ensure the growth doesn’t become severe without your knowledge.

Fibroid Risk Factors

Fibroids often begin to grow during a woman’s childbearing years. Note that this disease affects women alone because it’s a uterine disease, hence the name uterine fibroids.

The following women are more at risk of developing fibroids:

• Women above 30 years of age
• African-American women (the symptoms are more severe)
• Pregnant women
• Women suffering from hypertension and poor diet
• Those in their premenopausal age
• Overweight women

Causes of fibroids

There is no objective or definitive cause of fibroids, although several factors contribute to their formation. These factors include:

Family history

Genetics plays a significant role in the formation of fibroids. People whose parents or grandparents have suffered the disease have a higher chance to develop it some time.

Pregnancy hormones

Your body releases estrogen and progesterone to prepare the uterine lining to hold the embryo. They are released during each menstrual cycle and also when fertilization occurs. Hence, pregnancy is often a factor that contributes to the growth of fibroids. Having a checkup with your fibroids specialist during pregnancy is advisable.

Typically, fibroids shrink after menopause since these hormones become more or less absent.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)

The extracellular matrix is like a mortar between blocks, binding cells together. Researchers have found this substance to increase in fibroids, and it makes the cells more fibrous.

Managing fibroids at home

There are natural home treatments for fibroids, including:

• Yoga
• Heat application during cramping
• Acupuncture
• Massage

You should also watch what you eat and how you eat as a fibroid patient. Stay away from high-calorie foods and meats and go instead for cold-water fish such as salmon, vegetables, green tea, and foods rich in flavonoids. If you’re overweight, shedding some fat can also help to minimize the symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Finally, you may want to see a fibroid specialist near you for more effective medications and treatment.