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Uterine leiomyomas, otherwise known as fibroids
or myomas are non-cancerous tumors that grow in your uterus.
Fibroids may occur in up to 70 per
cent of women - for some reason African American women are more prone to fibroids. It's not uncommon for most women
to have six or seven fibroids in their uterus, but because they're usually symptom-free, you'd never know you had
them.
But fibroids can become a problem
if they cause bleeding, as this may lead to anemia. Symptoms of fibroids include heavy bleeding during your period
and getting heavy periods more often than normal, instead of the usual 28 day cycle. Painful sex may also be a
sign.
Fibroids grow in various locations
on the uterus. The fibroids which grow inside the uterus (intracavitary) or half inside and half within the walls (submucous myomas) cause the unusual heavy bleeding and cramping. These types are easy
to remove.
Intramural myomas grow within the walls of the uterus, and although
they can become quite big, they don't usually cause too many problems and doctors tend to leave them alone.
Fibroids called subserous myomas can grow on a stalk outside the uterus, and sometimes they can twist
(ouch!) and cause pain if they get too big. Again, these may not require
treatment.
Occasionally fibroids that grow inside
can be attached to a stalk and are easily felt by a doctor. They can also be noticed by your partner during sex
as 'something there'.
Estrogen causes fibroids. They usually
shrink or disappear when a women reaches menopause because of the drop in estrogen production.
Fibroids that grow too large may start
to put pressure on other organs like the bladder and cause more frequent trips to the toilet. Problem fibroids
can be removed by performing a myomectomy - removal of the tumor via a small incision
along the bikini line. It doesn't leave a big scar and recovery time is quite short.
Once upon a time, a hysterectomy was
a common cure for fibroids. This is quite drastic and is now used as a last resort.
The Pill can control the heavy bleeding
and in some cases may shrink the fibroid. New synthetic hormone drugs like Lupron
are being used to decrease blood levels of estrogen and effectively starve the tumor, but once treatment is stopped
the fibroids usually return.
Plus there's menopause-like side effects
such as dryness in the vagina, mood swings and the risk of osteoporosis because of the lower estrogen levels. Considering
these side-effects, Lupron may not be appropriate.
If you suspect you may have fibroids,
make an appointment with your nearest women's clinic or get your doctor to refer you to a gynecologist. Insist
on a thorough examination as fibroids can easily be missed, especially if they are intramural or subserous types.
Ovarian cancer has also been mistaken
for fibroids, so tell your doctor about all of your symptoms, or see another doctor if you're not happy with the
diagnosis. It pays to be cautious.
further resources:
ObgynNet
National
Women's Health Information Center
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