{"id":1442,"date":"2020-04-20T07:32:25","date_gmt":"2020-04-20T07:32:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.blog.kayawell.com\/?p=1442"},"modified":"2024-11-07T13:03:22","modified_gmt":"2024-11-07T13:03:22","slug":"uterine-fibroids-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-preventions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/uterine-fibroids-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-preventions","title":{"rendered":"Uterine Fibroids- Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors and Preventions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Overview <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Uterine\nfibroids are uterine non-cancerous growths which often occur during\nchildbearing years. Often known as leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas,\nuterine fibroids aren&#8217;t associated with increased uterine cancer risk and\nrarely turn into cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From seedlings,\nundetectable by the human eye, fibroids vary in size to dense masses that can\ndeform and expand the uterus. You may have single or multiple fibroids. For\nextreme situations, the uterus can be stretched so far by several fibroids that\nit enters the rib cage and may add weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many women\nin their lives often have uterine fibroids. Yet you may not know whether you\nhave uterine fibroids, as they still do not cause any symptoms. Your doctor can\nincidentally discover fibroids during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\r\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\r\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\r\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\r\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/uterine-fibroids-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-preventions\/#Symptoms_Uterine_Fibroids\" title=\"Symptoms Uterine Fibroids\">Symptoms Uterine Fibroids<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/uterine-fibroids-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-preventions\/#When_to_see_a_doctor\" title=\"When to see a doctor\">When to see a doctor<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/uterine-fibroids-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-preventions\/#Causes\" title=\"Causes\">Causes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/uterine-fibroids-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-preventions\/#Risk_factors\" title=\"Risk factors\">Risk factors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/uterine-fibroids-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-preventions\/#Complications\" title=\"Complications\">Complications<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/uterine-fibroids-symptoms-causes-risk-factors-and-preventions\/#Prevention\" title=\"Prevention\">Prevention<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms_Uterine_Fibroids\"><\/span>Symptoms Uterine Fibroids<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Several\npeople with fibroids have no symptoms at all. In those that do, the location,\nsize and number of fibroids can affect the symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most\ncommon signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids among women who have symptoms including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Heavy menstrual bleeding <\/li><li>Menstrual periods of more than one week <\/li><li>Pelvic pressure or pain<\/li><li>Routine urination <\/li><li>Bladder emptying difficulties<\/li><li>Constipation <\/li><li>Back pain or leg pain<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Rarely, when\na fibroid outgrows its blood supply and starts to die, it may cause intense\npain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In general,\nfibroids are graded according to their position. Within the muscular uterine\nwall develop intramural fibroids. Sub mucosal fibroids pile into the cavity of\nthe uterus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_see_a_doctor\"><\/span>When to see a doctor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>See your\ndoctor if you have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Pelvic pain that does not go away <\/li><li>Excessively serious, prolonged or painful\nperiods <\/li><li>Constant spotting or bleeding <\/li><li>Trouble emptying the bladder <\/li><li>Unexplained low red blood cell counts\n(anaemia)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have\nexcessive vaginal bleeding or intense pelvic pain that unexpectedly comes on,\nseek prompt medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes\"><\/span>Causes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Doctors do\nnot know the origin of uterine fibroids but these causes are pointed to by\nstudy and clinical experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Genetic changes:<\/strong> Some\nfibroids contain gene changes which differ from those in normal muscle cells in\nthe uterine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hormones:<\/strong> Estrogen and progesterone, two\nhormones which stimulate the development of the uterine lining in preparation\nfor pregnancy during each menstrual cycle, tend to promote the growth of\nfibroids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fibroids<\/strong> have more receptors for estrogen\nand progesterone than normal uterine muscle cells do. Following the menopause,\nfibroids tend to shrink due to a reduction in hormone production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other growth factors:<\/strong> Substances\nthat help the body sustain tissues, such as the growth factor similar to\ninsulin, can affect fibroid production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Extracellular matrix (ECM):<\/strong> ECM is the\nmatrix that makes the cells bind together, like brick mortar. ECM develops in\nfibroids and makes them fibrous. ECM also stores growth factors and it induces\nbiological changes in the cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Doctors believe uterine fibroids<\/strong> grow from a\nstem cell in the smooth uterine muscle tissue (myometrium). A single cell\nrepeatedly divides, gradually forming a solid, rubbery mass that is distinct\nfrom surrounding tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Uterine fibroid growth patterns<\/strong> vary \u00e2\u20ac\u201d they\nmay grow gradually or rapidly, or they may stay the same size. Many fibroids go\nthrough spurts of growth and others can shrink by themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of the\nfibroids that developed during pregnancy shrink or vanish after birth as the\nuterus returns to normal size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Risk_factors\"><\/span>Risk factors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>There are\nfew known risk factors for uterine fibroids, other than being a woman of\nreproductive age. Factors that can have an impact on fibroid development\ninclude:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Race:<\/strong> Even though any woman of\nreproductive age can develop fibroids, black women are more likely than women\nof other racial groups to have fibroids. Furthermore, at younger ages, black\nwomen have fibroids, and they are more likely to have more or greater fibroids,\nalong with more serious symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Heredity:<\/strong> If your mother or sister had\nfibroids, you&#8217;re at increased risk of developing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other factors:<\/strong> Early\nmenstruation; obesity; a deficiency in vitamin D; a higher diet in red meat and\na lower diet in green vegetables, fruit and dairy; and consuming alcohol,\nincluding beer, tend to increase the risk of fibroid growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Complications\"><\/span>Complications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Although\nuterine fibroids usually aren&#8217;t dangerous, they can cause discomfort and may\nlead to complications such as a drop in red blood cells (anemia), which causes\nfatigue, from heavy blood loss. Rarely, a transfusion is needed due to blood\nloss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pregnancy and fibroids<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fibroids\nusually don&#8217;t interfere with getting pregnant. However, it&#8217;s possible that\nfibroids \u00e2\u20ac\u201d especially submucosal fibroids \u00e2\u20ac\u201d could cause infertility or\npregnancy loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fibroids can\nalso increase the risk of certain complications in pregnancy, such as placental\nabruption, restriction of fetal development, and preterm delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prevention\"><\/span>Prevention<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although researchers\ncontinue to study the causes of fibroid tumors, there is no scientific evidence\nabout how to prevent them. It may not be possible to avoid uterine fibroids but\nonly a small percentage of such tumors require care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, by\nmaking healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a normal weight and\neating fruits and vegetables, you may be able to decrease your fibroid risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some work\nalso indicates the use of hormonal contraceptives could be associated with a\nlower fibroid risk.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview Uterine fibroids are uterine non-cancerous growths which often occur during childbearing years. Often known as leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas, uterine fibroids aren&#8217;t associated with increased uterine cancer risk and rarely turn into cancer. From seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, fibroids vary in size to dense masses that can deform and expand the uterus. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1450,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1116],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1442","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-women_care"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1442","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1442"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1442\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1450"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1442"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1442"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kayawell.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1442"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}