Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous uterus growth. It usually emerges in the childbearing years. It is not usually associated with the increased risk of uterine cancer and rarely develops into cancer.
Many women typically have this condition. In fact, most aren't even aware they have them since they don't always cause symptoms.
Sometimes, you might not be aware till you visit your doctor. The doctor usually presses on the uterus during the pelvic exam and might feel the abnormal changes in your uterus shape, possibly due to fibroids.
So let's find out the causes and symptoms of this condition.
Causes
Fibroids occur in women of reproductive age. They usually aren't found in young women who haven't had their first period.
But, so far, doctors have been unable to determine fibroids causes fully. However, clinical and research experiences can show some factors, which include:
Hormones
Two hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, which stimulate uterine lining development during every menstrual cycle when a woman prepares for pregnancy, appear to facilitate fibroid growth.
Fibroids have more progesterone and estrogen receptors than normal uterine muscles have. And they tend to shrink after menopause due to hormone production reduction.
Genetic changes
Several fibroids have gene changes that are different from the usual uterine muscle cells.
Extracellular matrix (ECM)
Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a structural scaffold that makes cells stick together. This process is usually increased in fibroids, making the cells fibrous. It also stores growth factors and results in biological changes in the cells.
Other growth factors
Other growth factors like insulin-like growth factors might affect fibroid growth. Uterine fibroid growth can vary. It might grow rapidly or slowly or remain the same size.
Others might go through growth spurts, and some might shrink. Several fibroids found in pregnant women usually disappear or shrink after the pregnancy when the uterus returns to its normal size.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this condition usually depend on the number of tumours you have and the size and locations. For example, submucosal fibroids might result in heavy menstrual bleeding and difficulties conceiving.
Fibroids are defined by their location; subserosal fibroids stick out to the outside of the uterus. Submucosal fibroids protrude into the uterine cavity. Intramural fibroids usually grow inside the muscular wall.
So, if your tumour is small and you are undergoing menopause, the symptoms might not show. For example, fibroids might shrink during and after menopause.
This happens because women in menopause would experience drops in their progesterone and estrogen levels (fibroid hormone growth stimulators). The symptoms include:
Pain during intercourse.
Increased urination.
Increased menstrual cramping.
Lower back or pelvis pain.
Large bleedings during or between periods. It can also include blood clots.
Abdomen enlargement or swelling.
Fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen.
More prolonged menstruation than usual.
Final Words
Uterine fibroid is a common condition that many women in their life experience. Fibroids can be small in some cases and result in no symptoms. However, in other cases, it can result in challenging symptoms.
So, it would be best if you speak with your doctor when you experience any of the symptoms (pain and discomfort). Doctors can treat this condition, and they can improve its symptoms.
Please note that this is not medical advice, always consult a doctor with any health concerns.
