Many women believe themselves to merely have heavier periods than others. The truth is, it’s possible that isn’t the case. It is very possible that they have had uterine fibroids grow on their uterus.
Women often have no idea they have uterine fibroids because the symptoms are hidden or mild. In these instances, that’s okay. If there’s no symptoms and nothing seems amiss, small amounts of uterine fibroids aren’t particularly damaging. However there are some extreme cases where uterine fibroids can cause serious pain and alteration of the shape of the uterus.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Many people aren’t entirely sure what uterine fibroids are. When someone is told they have them, they often think they have cancer. However fibroids are noncancerous. They grow on the uterus of a woman while she is of childbearing age.
Fibroids show a large degree of variance. They can be very large in size, but they can also be very very small. There’s also a large variance in how they grow. Some fibroids may take their time and grow very slowly until they reach their size. Others may grow very quickly. It depends on environmental factors around them and the individual person.
What Causes Fibroids?
While a direct cause can’t be pointed at, there seem to be many potential causes that research suggests are what are causing these uterine fibroids. Some of the potential reasons are:
- Genetics - It seems like genetics may be responsible for almost everything that occurs these days. Fibroids seem to have alterations in their gene structure from typical uterine cells.
- Hormones - Increased levels in hormones provides an environment that is very conducive to the growth of fibroids on the uterine wall. Fibroids have been shown to contain a much larger amount of developmental hormones than the rest of hte body. Fibroids grow smaller after menopause since they are no longer able to enjoy such a hormone rich environment.
- Growth Stimulants - There are medications and substances that are taken to help people maintain or grow body tissue in other areas. This can sometimes carry over to fibroids and allow them to grow as well.
Uterine Fibroid Symptoms
As mentioned, the symptoms of uterine fibroids may be very mild or seem like they are merely natural issues. Here are some of the symptoms that women may commonly come across:
- Heavy Menstrual Bleeding - This is the most common symptom that women have. They simply take it as a “heavy flow” and leave it at that.
- Extended Periods - Those with fibroids may find that their periods last longer than other women. Often it will extend over a week in length.
- Urination Issues - It’s very common for women with uterine fibroids to suffer from difficulty urinating, or an increased frequency of urination.
Uterine Fibroids Treatment
While some women can live with fibroids and they don’t become an issue, many will need to seek treatment for their fibroids. This will likely start with an attempt to reduce hormones and ruin the breeding ground.
In extreme cases where the fibroids have enlarged the size of the uterus to unmanageable sizes, a hysterectomy may be required. This would require the removal of the entire uterus in a fairly severe surgical procedure. Ideally minor surgeries or medications can fix things instead.