What are uterine fibroids? Uterine fibroids ( a.k.a. fibromyomas, leimyomas or myomas) are “garden variety” tumors made of smooth muscle cells that occur in the uterus during the ovulating years. Uterine fibroids are not malignant, not related to cancer, but are classified as a type of tumor. They often go unnoticed by many women and have been known to shrink after menopause. Fibroid tumors occur more often in the African-American community and are rarely seen in young women 20 years old or younger.
Depending on where in the uterus the growth is located, it may be given different names. It is possible for fibroids to grow either inside or outside of the uterus. If the growth is in the uterine cavity it is referred to as a submucous fibroid. Any growths on the outer wall of the uterus are called subserous fibroids. Sometimes the growths can become so enlarged that they can be located both inside and outside the uterine cavity, in which case they may be classified into both groups.
It would seem that fibroids growth is related to levels of the hormone estrogen. As fibroids are larger during pregnancy and in young adults when the estrogen levels would be quite high and tend to shrink down after menopause when estrogen levels drop considerably. While it is good to have a starting point to think about the development of fibroids, the complete cause of fibroids is not known at this time.
Toxins can also have a profound impact on the growth of fibroids. Carbon chlorines, used in many pesticides; phthalates, widely used in the plastics industry to soften PVC; and dioxin can all mimic the effects of the hormone estrogen This can be frustrating for both post menopausal women and their medical staff as identification or removal of the offending chemical or chemicals is nearly impossible.
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.
Even though you may not have any signs from uterine fibroids, they can sometimes be easily detected during routine exams like pap smears or on ultrasound. Once detected there are many treatment options which include drugs and different surgeries. Medication can be used to lower estrogen levels which also prevent pregnancy and can cause some side effects. For very large fibroids your doctor may prefer to take a surgical measure like a myomectomy to remove the fibroids or a uterine artery embolization which would block off the blood vessels feeding the fibroids. In very severe cases a full hysterectomy or removal of the uterus may be the recommendation.
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.
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