Fibroid Tumor Symptoms

One of the very common heath problems found in women, fibroids grow within the walls of the uterus. Although these tumors are not cancerous by nature, there are a few cases when its rapid growth can lead to cancerous effects. Such instances are seen in one among thousand pre-menopausal women. However, the risk rises to one among hundred in case of post-menopausal women. 30 percent of women are said to have fibroids large enough to show its symptoms. Studies suggest that while many women have fibroids, only a few shows signs or symptoms that demand its cure. Women who have small sized fibroids may never require treatment. Estrogen is one of the female hormones that encourage the growth of fibroids; it usually shrinks after menopause and rarely causes problems after this time. Fibroids and its cause of occurrence are still not known. It is believed that women who are related to the ones having detected fibroids are more prone to show symptoms, indicating that the cause could possibly be genetic.

Symptoms of Fibroids

1. Long or Heavy Menstrual Periods
Menstrual periods may last for seven days or more and the flow may be very heavy. For some women, it can get so bad that they feel the need to often change sanitary napkins or tampons enough to disrupt their normal routine during periods. Heavy menstrual flow can sometimes lead to anemia.

2. Pressure on Other Body Organs

Pelvis – The large sized fibroids can put tremendous pressure on other body organs in the pelvic area. When fibroids do not receive the required amount of blood flow for its sustenance, it either degenerates or dies. And it is this that may cause severe pain that could last for days or even weeks. One can also suffer pain if a fibroid gets twisted inside the uterus leading to cutting of blood supply to the fibroid.

Bladder - Large fibroids also press the bladder which makes a woman urinate more frequently than usual. The woman may pass on little urine and feel as if she has not emptied the bladder.

Bowel – Fibroids can also put pressure on the bowel and make a woman feel constipated or full despite eating small amounts of food.

Uterus – Pressure on the uterus due to large fibroids can lead to blockage in the urine flow. A woman may not know of this blockage since it is often not very painful. However, over time, this blockage may lead to infections in the kidney or perhaps serious kidney damage.

Although one should remember that the above problems caused by fibroids can also be caused due to other reasons. For instance, heavy periods may also be caused due to an imbalance of hormones. Frequent need to urinate may also be caused due to a bladder infection.