Women play a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of their families. But, when it comes down to their health, they tend to suffer in silence while battling some unique health concerns. Whether it’s recovering after baby birth, autoimmune issues, or incontinence, women deal with several conditions that are pretty difficult to discuss. 

One of those daunting conditions is fibroids.

Leiomyomas or fibroids are fibrous tumours that grow in uterus walls and are non-cancerous. Women may have a single fibroid or multiple myomas, which may range from as small as the size of a seed to as large as the size of a melon. 

Since many women across the United States suffer from them, these have become a significant public health concern. Around 80 per cent of women suffer from uterine myomas by the age of 50. However, the strange part is the fairer sex witness no symptoms and may not even know if they have fibroids or not.

Doctors and other medical professionals refer to fibroids as different names like myomas, fibromas, uterine myomas, or leiomyomas. 

What Causes Fibroids?

What’s worse about them is that these abnormal growths develop in a woman’s uterus, causing severe pain and heavy periods. Although the development of myomas is still unclear, medical professionals like Viva Eve shed light on several factors that influence their formation. These factors may be:

  1. Hormones: Progesterone and estrogen are some hormones that the ovaries produce. These may cause the regeneration of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle. And they may even stimulate the growth of uterine myomas. 
  2. Family History: Fibroids are known to run in the family inheritance. If your sister, mother, or grandmother have a history of suffering from this condition- chances are great; you may develop it as well. 
  3. Pregnancy: Pregnancy increases the production of progesterone and estrogen in the body. Thus, it is an excellent opportunity for myomas to develop and grow when you’re pregnant. 

Now that you’re aware of the factors influencing the growth and development of myomas in your body, some symptoms of the same may include:

  1. Heavy bleeding between or during the periods that form blood clots
  2. Pain in lower back or pelvis
  3. Increased menstrual cramps
  4. Increased urination
  5. Pain during intercourse
  6. Prolonged lasting menstruation- longer than usual
  7. Fullness or pressure in the lower abdomen
  8. Enlargement or swelling of the abdomen

 

How do Medical Professionals Diagnose Uterine Myomas?

For a proper diagnosis, you need to see a gynaecologist for getting a pelvic exam done. This exam helps in checking the size, condition, and shape of the uterus. Some other tests that may be essential are: 

  1. Ultrasound, and 
  2. Pelvic MRI

Once the doctor evaluates your condition, a treatment plan is developed according to your age, the size of myomas, and your overall health. The doctor may also suggest a combination of treatments based on your condition. 

How to Treat Fibroids?

The ways of treating uterine myomas are many and consist of both home remedies and medical procedures. Natural treatments that may have a positive impact on your body are:

  1. Acupuncture
  2. Yoga
  3. Massage
  4. Gui Zhi Ling Tang (GFLT) , a traditional Chinese medicine formula
  5. Applying heat for cramps
  6. Dietary changes like avoiding meats and high-calorie foods.
  7. Managing stress levels and losing weight

Some medical procedures may be:

  1. Medications
  2. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) causes progesterone and estrogen levels to drop.
  3. Surgery
  4. Noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures
  5. Myolysis procedures
  6. Uterine Artery Embolization

The Verdict- What Should One Expect in the Long Term?

Know that prognosis depends on the location and size of the uterine myomas. Chances are great; you may not even need treatment if myomas are small in size and don’t produce symptoms. However, if you’re pregnant and already have uterine myomas, a doctor may be necessary to monitor your condition. 

It is always vital to reach out to a medical professional if you suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms. After all, it’s about your health and well-being. 

This is a Sponsored Post – the author has requested this post be shared on WE Magazine for Women and WE were compensated for sharing.