Summary about Disease
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Also called leiomyomas or myomas, uterine fibroids aren't associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer. They can range in size from seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. You can have a single fibroid or multiple ones.
Symptoms
Many women who have fibroids have no symptoms. In those that do, symptoms can be influenced by the location, size and number of fibroids. Common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Menstrual periods lasting more than a week
Pelvic pressure or pain
Frequent urination
Difficulty emptying the bladder
Constipation
Backache or leg pain Less commonly, fibroids can cause acute pain when they outgrow their blood supply and begin to die.
Causes
Doctors don't know the exact cause of uterine fibroids, but research and clinical experience point to these factors:
Genetic changes. Many fibroids contain changes in genes that differ from those in normal uterine muscle cells.
Hormones. Estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate development of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle in preparation for pregnancy, appear to promote the growth of fibroids. Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine muscle cells do. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause when hormone levels drop.
Other growth factors. Substances that help the body maintain tissues, such as insulin-like growth factor, may affect fibroid growth.
Medicine Used
4. Medicine used Medications can treat fibroids and your symptoms. They might shrink fibroids or stop their growth, but they don't eliminate them. Medications include:
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: These medicines, such as leuprolide (Lupron Depot, Eligard), goserelin (Zoladex) and triptorelin (Trelstar, Triptodur), block the production of estrogen and progesterone, putting you into a temporary menopause-like state. As a result, menstruation stops, fibroids shrink and anemia often improves.
Progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD). A progestin-releasing IUD can relieve heavy bleeding caused by fibroids.
Tranexamic acid (Lysteda). This nonhormonal medication is taken to reduce heavy menstrual periods.
Other medications. Your doctor might recommend other medications, such as birth control pills, to help control heavy bleeding.
Is Communicable
Uterine fibroids are not communicable. They are not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
While there's no guaranteed way to prevent uterine fibroids, the following may help:
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of fibroids.
Eat a healthy diet: Some studies suggest that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products may lower the risk of fibroids.
Consider birth control pills: Some studies suggest that using birth control pills may reduce the risk of fibroids.
How long does an outbreak last?
Fibroids are not an "outbreak" like a viral infection. They are growths that can persist for years and may require treatment depending on the symptoms they cause. There is no specific duration for a fibroid "outbreak" since it's not an outbreak-related disease.
How is it diagnosed?
Uterine fibroids are often discovered incidentally during a routine pelvic exam. If you have symptoms, your doctor may order these tests:
Pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, your doctor feels (palpates) your uterus, ovaries and vagina to check for any abnormalities.
Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to get a picture of your uterus to confirm the diagnosis and map and measure fibroids.
Other imaging tests. If a regular ultrasound doesn't provide enough information, your doctor may order other imaging studies, such as an MRI, a CT scan or a hysterosonography.
Hysteroscopy. With this procedure, your doctor inserts a small, lighted telescope called a hysteroscope through your cervix into your uterus. Your doctor can then examine the wall of your uterus and the openings of your fallopian tubes.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of fibroid symptoms varies greatly depending on the size, location, and number of fibroids, as well as individual factors.
Early Stages: Many women may have fibroids for years without experiencing any symptoms.
Gradual Development: Symptoms often develop gradually over time as the fibroids grow. This may include heavier periods, longer periods, and increased pelvic pressure.
Fluctuations: Symptoms may fluctuate depending on hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle.
Late Stages: In some cases, symptoms may become more severe over time, leading to anemia, frequent urination, and pain.
Important Considerations
Pregnancy: Fibroids can sometimes cause complications during pregnancy, such as miscarriage, preterm labor, and breech presentation.
Menopause: Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause when hormone levels drop.
Treatment options: Treatment options for fibroids vary depending on the size, location, and number of fibroids, as well as the severity of symptoms and the woman's desire to have children.
Individualized care: It's important to discuss your individual situation with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
Second Opinion: Considering getting a second opinion is crucial to ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis and to explore different treatment options available. This will empower you to make an informed decision that best suits your individual needs.