What are fibroids?

What are fibroids? - welzo

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What are Fibroids?

Fibroids are non-malignant outgrowths that mature in or around the female uterus. Uterine fibroids are also known as myomas or leiomyomas. Most fibroids are growths made up of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissues. Fibroids vary in size, shape, and extent of mobility.

Uterine fibroids

What are the Types Of Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids typically arise in the uterus and have the following four types based on their location of growth and development.

1. Sub-serosal Fibroids:

Fibroids originate on the outer wall of the uterus.

2. Intramural Fibroids:

Fibroids grow within the muscular wall of the uterus.

3. Submucosal Fibroids:

Fibroids grow just below the innermost layer of the uterine wall and present as protruding into the uterine cavity.

4. Pedunculated Fibroids:

Fibroids are attached to the uterus through a stalk-like outgrowth. It presents as a fibroid hanging over the uterus.

Pathophysiology of Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous outgrowths. Fibroids tend to arise by dysregulation in angiogenesis and smooth muscle tissue proliferation of the uterine wall. Estrogen and Progesterone take part in the waxing and waning of the uterine wall in every menstrual cycle. These hormones cause the uterine inner wall to grow in its glandular and muscular mass and rich blood supply through new arterial growths. Any up or down-regulation in these natural processes will lead to the formation the fibroids that will present with consequences.

Signs & Symptoms of Fibroids

Signs and symptoms of a wide variety of conditions in reproductive health may look alike. Not all women with fibroids may present with the following severe symptoms. You must consult a physician for clarification once the following signs and symptoms are present.

• Heavy and painful menstrual bleeding

• Menstruation lasting for more than a week

• Pain in the back and pelvic region

• Constipation and difficulty in urinating

• General body aches and fatigue

• Mood swings

• Anaemia due to low blood count

If symptomatic uterine fibroids arise, you should consult your physician right after.

Risk Factors of Fibroids

The following individuals may be at greater risk of uterine fibroids than the other populations:

• Age

• Race

• Family history

• Using Birth Control measures

• Chronic Stressful state

• Poor Hygiene

• A diet that is deficient in vitamins and calcium

• Alcohol Consumption

Fibroids Prevalence

A sedentary lifestyle is the leading cause of a diverse group of disease conditions that are still evolving. Females who get their first menstrual bleeding at an early age may fall prey to fibroids. Around 70% of women may suffer from fibroids while being clueless. Fibroids may not present with symptoms and regress on their own in the menopausal state due to the termination of menstruation and hormone regulation.

Fibroids Diagnostics

Fibroids can be palpable if they are larger, outward in origin, and tender. In cases of ambiguity, the following are the undertaken laboratory or radiological tests for further confirmation of the disease condition:

• Ultrasound:

Ultrasound waves are sound waves generated from a device that are used on your abdomen or through the vagina to get pictures of the uterus and its cavity. This image plays an initial role in the diagnostic presence of a mass in or on your uterus.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):

MRI adds to the confirmation by presenting an image that includes the origin and nature of the outgrowth. This radiological test will pick the right course of treatment for your fibroids by defining the shape and severity of the fibroids.

• Lab Tests:

It includes a Complete Blood Count Test to confirm anaemia. Anaemia of low blood count is common to tag along with fibroids due to heavy bleeding. Lab tests may also include Female hormones tests to keep your Estrogen and Progesterone in check and balance.

Order yourself an at home Welzo Full Blood Count test here.

• Hysteroscopy:

As the name indicates, it is the inspection of the uterine cavity through a scope. It involves a detailed examination of submucosal and intramural fibroids and tracking their location and growth in the uterus.

Treatment Of Fibroids

Treatment of fibroids is conservative. Women with fibroids can be easily treated with medications. The treatment plan may vary while keeping up to date with the growth and development of fibroid. The conventional stages of the treatment will depend on your age, symptoms, family history, marital status, and whether you are in menopause. Following are the treatment options available.

• Simple Prevention

As they say, prevention is better than cure. Once the underlying causes are determined and followed through simple prevention, the fibroids may go away unattended. Consumption of foods high in sugar is likely to cause fibroids. Regular exercise and achieving fitness are the code to combat fibroids.

• Diet

Foods rich in Vitamin D and Calcium are necessary to take. Green leafy vegetables and fresh seasonal fruits have nutrients sufficient for both symptomatic and curative treatment of fibroids.

To assess whether you are suffering from a Vitamin D deficiency, use the Welzo Instant Vitamin D Test.

• Medication

The medications will aim to control bleeding, keep Progesterone balanced and treat anaemia.

Tranexamic acid tablets:

These medications are taken on menstruation days to control heavy and painful bleeding. They are safe to be prescribed by your physician as they won't interfere with your hormones.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists:

This will completely block the production of Estrogen and Progesterone only temporarily. Surgeons usually prescribe this medication before uterine surgery to control bleeding.

Anxiolytics:

Stress contributes to fibroids' growth and enlargement. While curing other symptoms, your physician may advise anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs. These drugs will lower the level of stress taken and hence cure fibroids.

• Surgery

If fibroids may persist, do not lose hope since the advancements in medicine still got you covered through its surgical approaches. Surgical procedures follow when the medication will not work for individuals, such as those with a family history of the condition. Surgical approaches will aim to remove fibroids. Following are the minimally invasive procedures practised and safer to go for fibroids:

Myomectomy:

As the title suggests, this procedure involves the removal of fibroids from the otherwise healthier tissues of the uterus. Surgeons prefer this procedure for younger patients who intend to get pregnant in the future.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization:

This Procedure helps to shrink fibroids. As discussed previously, fibroids get nourishment through a rich uterine arterial supply. Blocking these arteries through the Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) or uterine artery embolization (UAE) procedure will cause the fibroids to shrink and eventually fall off.

Hysterectomy:

The complete resection of the uterus from the female is known as a hysterectomy. It is preferred to perform this procedure on elderly patients in menopause or patients that would choose not to become pregnant in the future.

To find out more about your general or menstrual health visit the Welzo Women's Health Hub.

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