Uterine fibroids are very common and affect millions of women worldwide that are in their reproductive age. It's better to be informed about all the potential issues your body could develop. In this case, since women may get fibroids randomly, knowing the signs and symptoms of this condition and what you should look out for if you think you're suffering from it is beneficial. 

Fibroids affect countless systems in the body and have the potential to spiral out of control, and that is why it's vital to be informed and know the steps you can take to treat them if you do have them.

Hormonal

Unfortunately, researchers have been unable to pinpoint the exact cause of this condition or the things that lead up to it. However, they have found some strong relations.

During the menstrual cycle of any normal female, there will be several hormones released in the system. Two of these hormones are progesterone and estrogen. These are vital for the strengthening and development of the lining of the uterus, the uterine veins and arteries, and the egg in the ovaries. However, these hormones may also cause fibroids to grow larger, as they are at their highest during the cycle. Large fibroids have been seen in patients that have imbalanced hormones in their system.

Genetic

There is a strong association between genetic mutations and developing fibroids. If you have these fibroids, someone in your family tree likely developed a genetic mutation that caused this issue and passed it on to your ancestors before it eventually reached you. If your mother or grandparents have had issues with fibroids, you'll likely get them, too.

Other factors

There are a few other factors concerning the development of fibroids. These include race, as people of African descent are more likely to develop them. Excess body weight increases estrogen, so obese people are more likely to get fibroids. There are some growth factors, like insulin-like growth factor or IGF, that grow fibroids.

Symptoms

Many symptoms are associated with fibroids, which can differ depending on where the fibroids are located. They cause heavy, irregular bleeding during periods. This heavy blood loss can result in anemia in people with fibroids. Depending on their location, they could also pinch or affect some organs in your body. A commonly affected organ is the bladder, which lies before the uterus. If a mass pinches it, the bladder will have increased pressure and find it harder to retain urine, causing incontinence. Fibroids in the uterus can result in infertility and miscarriages since the fetus won't be able to attach to the wall of the womb as easily. If a fibroid is in contact with a nerve, the nerve could be pinched, causing pelvic pain and loss of sensation. 

Treatment 

Medications

Several medications to help this condition have been developed in recent years. Painkillers like ibuprofen help patients live with fibroids, and birth control pills and patches can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce bleeding. There are also other medications, like GnRH agonists, which induce a menopause-like state to temporarily reduce the size of fibroids.

Minimally invasive procedures

There are several ways doctors can now target and remove or reduce the size of fibroids without needing to go into major surgery or open up a patient's stomach. They do this in a few ways. A focused ultrasound, guided by MRI scans, uses intensely focused sound waves to target and destroy fibroids without ever affecting the skin. Myomectomy is a surgery that only targets the fibroids in a patient's system while sparing everything else. These treatments are more affordable than ever, especially if you’re looking for uterine fibroid treatment in Memphis, TN.

Hysterectomy

This is a type of surgery that is only recommended if the problem is severe or if the patient is already close to menopausal age. In a hysterectomy, the doctor will surgically remove your uterus, curing you of this disease and any other complications it may cause.

Conclusion

Uterine fibroids are among the most dangerous and inconvenient non-cancerous masses your body can develop. Depending on where they're located in your body, they could affect your nervous system, your bladder and kidneys, your fertility, and the list goes on. 

The only way to make sure these masses don't take control of your life, or at least have a major impact, is by getting yourself checked regularly and knowing the signs and symptoms you have to keep in mind. Getting diagnosed early before a condition can get out of control is the best way to prevent yourself from getting sick.