Uterine fibroids are the most common of all noncancerous tumors of the uterus. They can grow anywhere in the uterus, but they usually develop in the muscular wall of the uterus and tend to grow in size over time. Uterine fibroids may measure up to 2 inches in diameter. However, uterine fibroids treatment Houston, TX, is ongoing, and the professionals got you covered.
What are the symptoms and signs of uterine fibroids?
The symptoms and signs of uterine fibroids vary depending on their size. The most common symptom of uterine fibroids includes;
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pain
- Cramping or bloating
- Irregular ovulation or your periods stopping altogether
- Pelvic pain
- Difficulty falling pregnant, as well as difficulty planning a childbearing plan
- Frequent urination
- Reduced bladder capacity
What are the causes of uterine fibroids?
Genetics: In some cases, fibroids develop because of a genetic predisposition. A woman with a family history of uterine fibroids is more likely to have them. If a woman has her first baby after age 35 and is overweight or obese, she is more likely to develop uterine fibroids.
Hormonal imbalance: Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign tumors that develop in the uterus. They usually form in women who have never had children but can also occur in older women. A hormonal imbalance often causes fibroids. If you are underweight or have an underactive thyroid gland, it could be causing your uterine fibroids to grow uncontrollably.
Smoking: Women who smoke before menopause are more likely to develop fibroids than women who don’t smoke at all. This is partly because smoking can damage your reproductive system, cause infertility, and make you more prone to developing uterine fibroids.
Autoimmune disease:If you have an autoimmune disease or another condition that causes the body to attack itself, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, your body may also attack your uterine fibroids. This condition is called endometriosis, which can cause ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids to grow uncontrollably. Endometriosis can cause infertility if left untreated for too long because it can damage the fallopian tubes and prevent them from functioning properly during pregnancy.
Menstrual cycle disorders:If you experience irregular menstrual cycles, you may have a hormonal imbalance. Hormone levels change during the menstrual cycle, which can cause fibroids to grow.
Pregnancy:If you have fibroids after your baby has been born, it is likely that your body is still producing excess hormones and growth hormones. This causes some fibroids to grow larger than usual.
Contraceptive use or hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Some forms of hormonal contraception can cause fibroids to grow larger than normal. HRT can also cause fibroids to grow larger than they would if you were not using it.
Obesity: Obesity can also cause uterine fibroids to grow larger than normal. In fact, about two-thirds of women with fibroids are overweight or obese. The extra weight increases pressure on the uterus, leading to its enlargement over time.
Other causes: Fibroids may develop if other conditions cause inflammation or irritation in the uterus. For example, endometriosis can cause inflammation in the lining of the uterus and lead to uterine growth. Uterine adenomyosis causes similar inflammation but occurs in only 10% of women with fibroids.
Women with fibroids definitely need to have an ultrasound and MRI done. This will aid in the diagnosis. Lab work must also be performed so that levels of estrogen, prolactin, FSH, TSH, and AMH can be checked. If you have the symptoms of fibroids, contact Alate Health experts to help you. Fibroids are very treatable; the longer you wait, the more the fibroids grow.
