Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths or tumors that frequently emerge during a woman's childbearing years. It's important to note that uterine fibroids do not elevate the risk of cancer, nor do they develop into cancer. They are also referred to as leiomyomas or uterine myomas. If you're unfamiliar with what uterine fibroids are, let's explore this topic together in this Fitie article.
Understanding Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths or tumors that frequently emerge during a woman's childbearing years. It's important to note that uterine fibroids do not elevate the risk of cancer, nor do they develop into cancer. They are also referred to as leiomyomas or uterine myomas. Not everyone with uterine fibroids experiences symptoms, but some may, including heavy menstrual bleeding.
The size of these fibroids can vary, ranging from minuscule and invisible to the naked eye to substantial masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. A person might have one, two, or multiple fibroids. If you're curious about uterine fibroids, let's delve into the topic together in this article.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are essentially muscular tumors that grow on the wall of the uterus. Their sizes can range from 1 mm to 20 cm or even larger. To put this into perspective, they can be as small as an apple seed, as large as a grapefruit, or even as big as a watermelon. According to The Office on Women's Health, only one in 350 individuals with fibroids will develop malignancy. These fibroids can take on various shapes, often resembling bulges or even mushrooms. It's exceedingly rare for fibroids to transform into cancerous or malignant tumors.
Symptoms
While not everyone with small fibroids requires treatment beyond regular monitoring, others may experience symptoms. These can include heavy menstrual bleeding, lower abdominal enlargement, bloating, frequent urination, pain during sexual intercourse, lower back pain, chronic vaginal discharge, and complications during pregnancy.
Heavy Bleeding Is One of the Symptoms of Myoma
Causes
The precise cause of uterine fibroids remains unknown, but they predominantly occur during the reproductive years. Researchers believe that genetics may play a role by causing alterations in the muscle cells of the uterus. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which have many receptors in fibroids, are also considered contributory factors. Furthermore, substances that assist in maintaining tissue and the extracellular matrix can be involved.
Age Is a Possible Cause of Uterine Fibroids
Risk Factors
Several risk factors come into play. Age is a significant one, with most cases occurring between the ages of 30 and 40, continuing until menopause. After menopause, fibroids generally shrink. Family history is another risk factor, with the likelihood of developing uterine fibroids being three times higher if your mother had them. Being overweight or obese also increases the risk, with obesity potentially tripling the chances of developing fibroids. Dietary habits can also be relevant – excessive consumption of red meat and processed meats like ham is linked to a higher risk. It's important to remember that moderation is key.
Uterine Fibroids and Anemia
Anemia is a condition characterized by insufficient red blood cells in the body, resulting in fatigue and weakness due to the lack of oxygen being carried throughout the body. Uterine fibroids can lead to anemia, as they often cause heavy bleeding. Therefore, women should take iron supplements during menstruation to counteract this.
Uterine fibroids are a relatively common condition. While they may not manifest symptoms in many cases, they can cause discomfort and complications when severe. If you recognize any of the symptoms mentioned above, don't hesitate to consult with a specialist. Fitie offers online consultations to make it convenient for women to seek guidance and support.
Source:
Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Uterine Fibroids [Online] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9130-uterine-fibroids
Mayoclinic. (2022). Uterine Fibroids Overview [Online] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354288
The Office on Women’s Health. (2021). Uterin fibroids [Online] https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids