Fibroids are abnormal tumors that grow in reproductive systems of women. An excess of the hormone estrogen is believed to cause them. But the actual reason why the incidence of fibroids has increased so much is not yet known. Obesity and a delay in having children are some of the reasons fibroids are caused. Hereditary also plays a big part so if your mother had them, the chances of you getting them are high. They can grow on the wall of the uterus, outside the uterus and inside the uterus. The fibroids that grow inside the uterus are called uterine fibroids and happen in about 5 % of the cases.
Fibroid symptoms include bleeding, cramps, bloating and weight gain. The fibroid symptoms include heavy bleeding that is heavy enough to need to change sanitary pads every hour and even passing clots. Women can develop anemia as a result of it. Other fibroid symptoms include pelvic pain and discomfort, bladder problems, affecting bladder and rectal pressure, interfering with sexual intercourse. Fibroids can cause premature deliveries and miscarriages. Most women experience uterine fibroids but they are also known to grow in others parts of the body like the lungs and other parts. Sometimes fibroids have no other symptom except the fibroid. It could silently grow and you would think you are putting on weight. A regular check up will nip this problem in its root itself.
Fibroids and pregnancy are linked as fibroids affect the female reproductive system. Despite a high incidence of fibroids a lot of women successfully have children. Many women go through pregnancies without even the knowledge that they have fibroids. But fibroids during pregnancy can endanger the child by causing premature birth or repeated miscarriages. But it is also true that most pregnancies happen with certain fibroids present. Fibroids are also removable by surgical procedures, both invasive and non invasive. The fibroid removal is a common procedure. Fibroid removal affects fertility and weight loss in a positive way.
There is no definite treatment for uterine fibroids or uterine fibroid tumors. Doctors generally advise patients to ignore the fibroids if they are not affecting their life. The fibroid symptoms can be treated with different methods. But if the symptoms are affecting the quality of life then the doctor usually gives pills to reduce the creation of estrogen. Of course this treatment is not generic and would change with every case. In case you want the symptoms to stop on their own, you should look to lose weight as it would automatically reduce the incidence of fibroids. If you are close to the menopausal age, the doctors will advise you to ignore them. The fibroid symptoms after menopause reduce as the body produces less estrogen.
There are many methods to check if fibroids are causing damage. These methods are MRI scan, ultra sound and endometrial biopsy. There are natural remedies and treatments for fibroids. The best way of treating uterine fibroids is a lifestyle change. You should make exercise an important part of your life, improve eating by choosing fiber-rich foods. One natural way to reduce fibroids is to reduce the consumption of fatty food and red meat. Substitute this with fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, pulses and whole grains. Studies have shown that consumption of soy and soy-based products helps reduce the fibroid size. Supplements like those of dandelion, yellow dock root, milk thistle seed also are known to shrink fibroid growth. You should also avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar and salt, in excess. If you suffer from fibroids, you could try taking supplements for vitamin A, C and E. But before you take supplements; be sure to check with your doctor.
answered by M W