July is Fibroid Awareness Month

Every July, Fibroid Awareness Month sheds light on this silent disease that impacts thousands of women. This month encourages those who struggle with fibroids, as well as those now fibroid-free, to stand in solidarity and encourage education. This is also a time to focus efforts on rapid research to better understand this disease, its impact on women’s health, and how to manage and treat it with women’s future health as the priority.

What are fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow on or in the uterus. These growths are composed of muscle cells and connective tissues that can range from tiny to large masses, sometimes distorting the structure of the uterus. Seventy percent of women will develop fibroids by the age of 50. Although many women live with fibroids and have no symptoms, others find the pain and discomfort disrupt their everyday lives, especially without treatment.

Women can experience many types of fibroids, each with varying symptoms.

Calcified Fibroids Calcified fibroids occur when normal fibroids degenerate from lack of blood flow. As calcium deposits develop on top of the fibroid, symptoms can include severe abdominal pain, cramping, frequent urination, constipation, and pressure.

Intramural Fibroids Intramural fibroids are growths that attach themselves to the inner wall of the uterus and cause heavy menstrual periods that can also be irregular. These fibroids can cause pelvic and lower back pain, and complications in reproductive health.

Submucosal Fibroids Submucosal fibroids are the least common type of fibroid, but they are also the most troublesome, as they can be responsible for uterine bleeding and often cause anemia. These symptoms can be accompanied by pain in the pelvic and lower back, causing fatigue, dizziness, and weakness, as well as the passing of large blood clots.

Subserosal Fibroids Subserosal fibroids are the most common type. Located outside the uterus and on the pelvic wall, they grow to be larger but are still attached to the uterus. Symptoms include a feeling of fullness, cramping, frequent urination, constipation, and pain.

Pedunculated fibroids Pedunculated fibroids, like subserosal fibroids, are also attached to the uterus by a stalk called the peduncle. These fibroids can grow inside or outside the uterus and cause sharp pains when the fibroid moves on the peduncle. This movement interferes with blood flow and can also cause heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, abdominal pain, and cramping.

Despite the prevalence of fibroids, there is no definite cause of the condition. However, with the research that has been done, some factors that are believed to influence the growth and development of fibroids can include genetics and the levels of estrogen and progesterone. It is common for fibroids to develop in those who are of reproductive age, are obese, have a diet high in red meat, and have high blood pressure. It is also common for black women to develop fibroids at a higher rate.

Fibroids and women’s health

Fibroids can also be the main cause of infertility. With the placement of fibroids on the fallopian tubes and uterus, fertilized eggs can be stopped from developing. Fibroids can also increase the rate of miscarriages and preterm birth.

Many of the physical symptoms of these uterine growths are identifiable, but there is also the less recognized emotional side of the condition. Women often find themselves with extreme anxiety and depression when navigating fibroids. Concerns grow over future health complications and the inability to locate a definite solution. Because of this pain, women might find it difficult to be active, struggle with their sexuality, and develop a distorted view of their body image

Fibroids management

Fibroid treatments come in many forms and can vary from medication, procedures, and lifestyle changes.

Medications for fibroids do not fully cure the tumors but can help relieve certain symptoms. Medicine is usually taken for pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, including contraception pills and progestational agents. GnRH agonists may shrink fibroids temporarily but can cause bone density loss and menopausal symptoms. IUD applications can also staunch bleeding in extreme cases.

A myomectomy, which preserves the uterus while removing fibroids surgically, still presents a risk of fibroids regrowing. A hysterectomy, a major procedure that removes the uterus, leaves no chance of fibroids regrowing, but results in irrevocable infertility.

A non-surgical treatment for fibroids is Uterine Artery Embolization, which blocks the blood flow to fibroids so that they can shrink and die. This is done by needle injection of particles that block the artery. Transcervical radiofrequency ablation is another non-surgical procedure that shrinks fibroids with radio frequency energy and ultrasound waves. Endometrial ablation removes the lining of the uterus and stops heavy bleeding with the help of heat energy. This procedure is best for those who do not plan to get pregnant.

Finally, fibroids can also be managed with lifestyle and diet changes. Adding fresh vegetables, fruit, legumes, and fish to your diet may decrease the risk of developing fibroids. Decreasing alcohol consumption and increasing vitamin D from eggs, dairy products, oils, orange juice, and more, also helps. If you already have fibroids, food rich in fiber and potassium balances blood pressure and increases mineral intake which can prevent further growth of fibroids. A healthy diet is key to a healthy life, but in cases of fibroids, a more balanced lifestyle and diet can help ease the concerns that come with fibroids as well.

While July encourages education and research on fibroids, there are other ways to raise awareness about fibroids across communities.

Sharing personal stories and connecting with others who have experienced fibroids can create a support network that can also raise awareness among women, doctors, and researchers. Participating and sharing experiences in a community or nationwide project, such as The White Dress Project, can help foster research and find solutions to improve women’s health within a supportive and compassionate community.

If you are interested in finding out more about fibroids and the treatments available, schedule your fibroid consultation here.

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