Fibroids are benign muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. They can be as small as seeds or as big as grapefruits causing a person to look six to seven months pregnant. They can grow as a single tumor or multiple tumors. Not all women have symptoms of fibroids; however, those who do have symptoms experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pressure on the bladder, rectal pressure, and pain in the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis.
Although little is know about the cause of fibroids and what causes them to shrink and grow, researchers think that many factors such as hormonal and genetics play a role. According to the National Institutes of Health other factors that increase the risk of fibroids are obesity, high blood pressure, low levels of vitamin D, older than forty years of age, reproductive issues, and being African American. African American women are three times more likely to have fibroids than any other women in the United States. African American women are also more likely to have multiple fibroids, larger fibroids, and experience more severe symptoms.
Treatment Options
There are many treatment options in which you can discuss with your physician to see what treatment is right for you. Treatments depend on factors like; if you plan on becoming pregnant in the future, the size of your fibroids, the location of the fibroids, your age, and how close you are to having menopause. As with any treatment programs, it is important to know your options and ask your doctor as many questions as possible, so you are making the right decision for your body and future.
Medication
If you experience mild symptoms your doctor can prescribe your typical pain medication. Taking birth control can control heavy bleeding, and a drug called Lupron can shrink your fibroids.
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Surgery
If you experience moderate to severe symptoms there aremany options of surgery to help treat fibroids.
Myomectomy
This surgery removes the fibroids while leaving healthy tissues, and is for women who want to become pregnant in the future.
Hysterectomy
This surgery is usually performed if fibroids are too large, there is heavy bleeding, and a woman doesn’t want children. During a hysterectomy, the uterus is removed.
Endometrial Ablation
This minor surgery is done with laser, wire loops, boiling water, or freezing; and removes the lining of the uterus to control heavy bleeding. This is another surgery to consider if you do not want children.
Myolysis
This surgery is a freezing method used to destroy the fibroids.
While medical treatments are options to treat fibroids, making simple lifestyle changes can also serve as an option for managing fibroids. Avoid foods that may increase inflammation like high-fat processed meats. Avoiding dairy, refined sugars, alcohol, and caffeine can also help in managing fibroids. Because women experience heavy bleeding which can cause anemia, eating food high in iron is important. Green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, and herbal teas may help in balancing hormones and managing fibroids.
Because African American women are more likely to have fibroids and experience more severe symptoms it is important to get ahead of it and get checked out, find out your options, and consider making lifestyle changes. See your doctor soon and remember to ask as many questions as possible.
Have you experienced fibroids? Are you currently experiencing fibroids? Share your story.
Elissa Mirsky, known to most as Elle, is a published author and former editor-in-chief of Bold Magazine. She believes food shouldn’t be boring and every meal should be fashionably edible. Follow her on Instagram @mylifebeingelle where she is documenting her journey to eat well, live life, and love self.
