What are fibroids and what causes them?
They are the most common type of tumor found in women and roughly 99% of them are benign. They are smooth, fibrous growths that are made of muscle or connective tissue and typically grow in the uterus. Many fibroids are so small, they go undetected by healthcare providers.
Like many things in medicine, we know what we are dealing with but not always what the underlying cause is. There are some theories out there that an increase in Estrogen or an Estrogen imbalance is the culprit for the growth of fibroid tumors.
Who is at risk for developing fibroids?
There are exceptions to every rule, but fibroid tumors are more common in women approaching menopause because they tend to deal with more estrogen dominance. There is also an increased issue in women who are overweight or of African-American heritage.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of fibroids can vary because a lot depends on where the fibroid is located and how many you have. In general terms, symptoms can range from excessive menstrual bleeding to an ache in your legs or back. Some women can feel pressure in their pelvis or even a fullness in the bladder that makes urinating difficult. The bottom line is, when you experience symptoms that are out of the ordinary for you, it's time to visit us.
Fibroid tumors are one of those obscure things that happen to us. We aren't exactly sure how to prevent them or predict a set of women most at risk. The good news is, that they are typically more of a nuisance than anything and most women will get through their life, never being bothered by them. At any rate, if you are one of the lucky ones with symptoms and problematic fibroids, the team at Madison Women's Clinic can help!
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