What Are Fibroids?
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 (noncancerous). The cause of fibroids is unknown.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 70 to 80 percent of women have them by the age of 50, but most women do not have any symptoms.
Types of Fibroids
Different fibroids develop in different locations in and 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 Fibroids
When subserosal tumors develop a stem (a slender base that supports the tumor), they become pedunculated fibroids.
Submucosal Fibroids
These types of tumors develop in the middle muscle layer (myometrium) of your uterus. Submucosal tumors are not as common as other types, but when they do develop, they may cause heavy menstrual bleeding and trouble conceiving.
What Causes Fibroids?
It is unclear why fibroids develop, but several factors may influence their formation.
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
Pregnancy increases the production of estrogen and progesterone in your body. Fibroids may develop and grow rapidly while you are pregnant.
Who Is at Risk for Fibroids?
Women are at greater risk for developing fibroids if they have one or more of the following risk factors:
- pregnancy
- a family history of fibroids
- being over the age of 30
- being of African-American descent
- having a high body weight
What Are the Symptoms of Fibroids?
Your symptoms will depend on the location and size of the tumor(s) and how many tumors you have. If your tumor is very small, or if you are going through menopause, you may not have any symptoms. Fibroids may shrink during and after menopause.
Symptoms of fibroids may include:
- heavy bleeding between or during your periods that includes blood clots
- pain in the pelvis and/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
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