Causes of Fibroid
INTRODUCTION
Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or on a woman’s uterus. Sometimes these tumors become quite large and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods. In other cases, they cause no signs or symptoms at all. The growths are typically benign, or non-cancerous. Uterine fibroids are benign lumps that grow on the uterus. Symptoms may include heavy periods, cramping, painful sex, and an urge to urinate. Treatment options include hysterectomy, embolization, and hormone therapy. If large enough, they may push on the bladder causing a frequent need to urinate. They may also cause pain during sex or lower back pain. A woman can have one uterine fibroid or many occasionally, fibroids may make it difficult to become pregnant, although this is uncommon. The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unclear. However, fibroids run in families and appear to be partly determined by hormone levels. Risk factors include obesity and eating red meat. Diagnosis can be performed by pelvic examination or medical imaging. Treatment is typically not needed if there are no symptoms. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may help with pain and bleeding while paracetamol (acetaminophen) may help with the pain. Iron supplements may be needed in those with heavy periods. Medications of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist class may decrease the size of the fibroids but are expensive and associated with side effects. If greater symptoms are present, surgery to remove the fibroid or uterus may help. Uterine artery embolization may also help. Cancerous versions of fibroids are very rare and are known as leiomyosarcomas. They do not appear to develop from benign fibroids.
About 20% to 80% of women develop fibroids by the age of 50. In 2013, it was estimated that 171 million women were affected worldwide. They are typically found during the middle and later reproductive years. After menopause, they usually decrease in size. In the United States, uterine fibroids are a common reason for surgical removal of the uterus.
Types of fibroids
The type of fibroid a woman develops depends on its location in or on the uterus.
Intramural fibroids
Intramural fibroids are the most common type of fibroid. These types appear within the muscular wall of the uterus. Intramural fibroids may grow larger and can stretch your womb.
Subserosal fibroids
Subserosal fibroids form on the outside of your uterus, which is called the serosa. They may grow large enough to make your womb appear bigger on one side.
Pedunculated: subserosal tumors can develop a stem, a slender base that supports the tumor. When they do, they’re known as pedunculated fibroids.
Sub mucosal: types of tumors that develop in the middle muscle layer, or myometrium, of your uterus. Sub mucosal tumors aren’t as common as the other types
Causes of Fibroid
It’s unclear and unknown why fibroids develop, but several factors may influence their formation such as written below.
Hormones
Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones produced by the ovaries. They cause the uterine lining to regenerate during each menstrual cycle and may stimulate the growth of fibroids.
Family history
Fibroids may run in the family. If your mother, sister, or grandmother has a history of this condition, you may develop it as well. Pregnancy increases the production of estrogen and progesterone in your body. Fibroids may develop and grow rapidly while you’re pregnant.
Treatment of fibroid
Your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on your age, the size of your fibroids, and your overall health. You may receive a combination of treatments. Certain home remedies and natural treatments can have a positive effect on fibroids, including acupuncture, yoga massage, applying heat for cramps (avoid heat if you experience heavy bleeding)
ALTERNATELY: Dietary changes can help as well. Avoid meats and high-calorie foods. Instead, opt for foods high in flavonoids, green vegetables, green tea, and cold-water fish such as tuna or salmon. Managing your stress levels and losing weight if you’re overweight can also benefit women with fibroids.
Medications to regulate your hormone levels may be prescribed to shrink fibroids. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, such as leuprolide (Lupron), will cause your estrogen and progesterone levels to drop. This will eventually stop menstruation and shrink fibroid. GnRH antagonists also help to shrink fibroids. They work by stopping your body from producing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Examples include:
- ganirelix acetate, an injectable drugs
- cetrorelix acetate (Carotids), an injectable drug
- Elagolix, which is present in the oral drug elagolix/estradiol/norethindrone acetate (Oriahnn). Other options that can help control bleeding and pain, but won’t shrink or eliminate fibroids, include:
- an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases the hormone progestin
- Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
Surgery: Surgery to remove very large or multiple growths may be performed. This is known as a myomectomy. An abdominal myomectomy involves making a large incision in the abdomen to access the uterus and remove the fibroids. The surgery can also be performed laparoscopically, using a few small incisions into which surgical tools and a camera are inserted. Fibroids might grow back after surgery. If your condition worsens, or if no other treatments work, your physician may perform a hysterectomy. However, this means that you won’t be able to bear children in the future.
Frequently ask question on Causes of Fibroid
Who is at risk of fibroids?:
Women are at greater risk for developing fibroids if they have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Pregnancy
- a family history
- Age of 30 or older
- African-American
- a high body weight What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Your symptoms will depend on the number of tumors you have as well as their location and size. For instance, sub mucosal fibroids may cause heavy menstrual bleeding and trouble conceiving. If your tumor is very small or you’re going through menopause, you may not have any symptoms. Fibroids may shrink during and after menopause. This is because women undergoing menopause are experiencing a drop in their levels of estrogen and progesterone, hormones that stimulate fibroid growth.
Symptoms of Causes of Fibroid may include:
Heavy bleeding between or during your periods that includes
- Blood cloth
- Pain in the pelvis or lower back
- Increased menstrual cramping
- Increased urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Menstruation that lasts longer than usual
- Pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen
- Swelling or enlargement of the abdomen
Conclusion
Uterine fibroid is a common concern in women at fertile age causing multiple bleeding and pain symptoms which can have a negative impact on different aspects of women’s life. Therefore early detection and early treatment through neither surgery nor medication remain the paramount treatment for fibroid.
Hope this was helpful, for more information on Causes of Fibroid and how to deal with them contact Rovich Diagnostics services
