Ever wondered what a fibroid is? They also go by the names of fibromyomas, leimyomas, or myomas, and they are smooth little muscle cell growths which are found inside the uterus of women of childbearing age. These growths are not dangerous or cancerous, but they are considered to be tumors. They are very commonly found, but often go unnoticed by most women, and they frequently shrink or disappear when a woman hits menopause. Uterine fibroids are more often found in black women, and are rarely found in women younger than 20 years of age.
Uterine fibroids are classified by the part of the uterus they appear in. If they grow on in the uterine cavity, they are known as submucous fibroids. Intramural fibroids appear on the uterine wall. Any outside the uterus are called subserous. ItÂ’s possible, however, for a fibroids to grow so large it falls into several categories.
The medical cause of fibroid development is not yet known, but levels of the hormone estrogen seem to be connected. When estrogen levels are high, such as during the ovulating years or pregnancy, fibroids increase in size. When the levels fall,such as during menopause, fibroids get smaller.
Many people are becoming more aware of the impact of environmental toxins on the human body. I, an alternative therapist, have even noticed a link between these toxins we place in our environment and fibroid growth. It appears that estrogen levels can be low in the body but higher levels of certain toxins will still cause rapid fibroid growth. This can happen in any woman, even post-menopausal women, creating a frustrating circumstance.
Uterine fibroids are not always harmless. They can cause pain, excess bleeding, and complications during pregnancy. In some cases they may even lead to infertility. The most commonly seen symptom of fibroids is heavy bleeding during menstruation. Large fibroids interfere with organs such as the bowels and bladder, causing pain and pressure. In some cases, large fibroids add so much pressure that it causes infertility by compressing the uterus into miscarriage and triggering spasms.
When looking to have fibroids diagnosed, a doctor can feel them during any routine pelvic exam. They may also be found during an ultrasound. The treatment for fibroids often includes estrogen therapy using drugs. Unfortunately some of these drugs, which can prevent pregnancy, also have undesirable side effects. In cases of very large fibroids, with severe symptoms, doctors will use more drastic treatments, such as myomectomies, to remove the fibroid, or artery embolization in the uterus to stop blood supply to the fibroids. In the most extreme cases a doctor may even recommend a hysterectomy.
A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus in surgery, and should be a lasting cure for fibroids. A hysterectomy is also a drastic choice, and a major procedure which can have long term effects. Choosing surgery is always a big step, and in many cases involves a lot of risk. It is not a choice to be made without great need, and thought put into the decision.
Thankfully, there are alternative therapies out there for women to consider when dealing with fibroids. It depends on the symptoms and the severity of the case, but herbal supplements can help in shrinking fibroids and decreasing their symptoms. Body cleansing is another option. This allows you to clear the body of all toxins which may cause the fibroids to grow.
I hope this answers any questions you had about uterine fibroids . If you found this helpful, you can watch some more in-depth videos on my webiste, and sign up for a free report on how to shrink fibroids naturally. http://www.fibroidsetc.com/what-are-fibroids/