Uterine fibroids (called leiomyomas) are a common, benign growth in the uterus, made up of muscle and connective tissue from the uterine wall.
Fibroids occur in about 25% of women and can be asymptomatic, meaning you won’t always have any symptoms or otherwise know they are there. Whilst they generally aren’t dangerous, they can cause significant discomfort and serious symptoms for some suffers.
Fibroids can grow in a single node (that is, by itself) or in a cluster. Most clusters vary in size between 1mm and 20cm in diameter. In some extreme cases, they can grow to the size of a watermelon.
Fibroids can distort the lining of the uterus, leading to heavy or abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and iron deficiency anemia. Very large fibroids can also put pressure on the surrounding organs, causing pain and bloating as well as bladder problems.
There are 3 major types of fibroids:
Sometimes, fibroids can have a stalk that attaches to the uterus - these are called pedunculated and they are the least common type of fibroid.
Because it's very common for sufferers to experience no symptoms, knowing when to seek medical advice can be difficult. Sometimes, what you believe to be 'normal' aches and pains from menstruation can actually be a sign you may have fibroids. While it is true that no one knows your body like you, and you'll know when something doesn't feel right, if you experience the following you should consider speaking with a medical professional:
Unfortunately, we aren’t entirely certain as to the causes of fibroids, but we do know some women are more at risk of developing them than others. Clinical experience and research does highlight a range of factors that may contribute to the development of fibroids, or put certain women at risk over others:
If someone in your family has developed fibroids, you may have a higher risk of developing them yourself.
Hormone changes during pregnancy can cause fibroids to develop and grow quickly. 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.
Obesity is a risk factor for a wide variety of health conditions, and some studies have shown that an unhealthy weight may affect the development of uterine fibroids.
Having a higher than average blood pressure for your age has been shown to have a relationship to uterine fibroids.
Women over age 40 are much more likely to develop fibroids
A diet high in red meat and alcohol and low in green vegetables, fruit, and dairy, as well as alcohol consumption, may increase the risk of developing fibroids, although this is yet to be conclusively proven.
Some studies have found that women who entered puberty at an earlier than average age have an increased chance of developing fibroids.
When it comes to managing and treating fibroids, there's no perfect treatment - it all comes down to finding the right solution for each individual situation.
The first line of treatment is usually conservative management, such as pain control through medication. Many women find this to be effective in managing their symptoms, but it may not benefit all cases, particularly if fibroids are affecting your fertility, or if you have allergies to certain medications.
There are also a number of 'natural' treatments available, such as making lifestyle and diet changes. The natural treatments for fibroids are covered extensively here.
If medication fails, the size, location, and the number of fibroids are assessed to determine the next course of action, as well as your symptoms, menopausal status, and whether or not you wish to become pregnant in the future.
If it’s seen as in your best interest, it may be recommended that your fibroids be removed surgically (either by myomectomy or hysterectomy), or by uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE).
There is an established link between exercise and the prevention of further growth of fibroids, but exercise alone cannot actually shrink existing fibroids, nor can it prevent them from developing in the first place. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't adopt a more active lifestyle to help treat your symptoms.
Exercise can reduce the hormones - estrogen and progesterone - responsible for the growth of fibroids. Regular exercise also reduces blood pressure and aids with weight loss, two more suspected causes of fibroids. Find out more about fibroids and exercise by reading our blog.
While it is true that we don't know exactly what causes fibroids, we do know how to treat them. At Northern Beaches Interventional Radiology, we specialise in treating fibroids with a minimally invasive procedure known as Uterine Fibroid Embolisation. Book a consult today to discuss your treatment plan.