09/09/2022
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FIBROIDS.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Also called leiomyomas.
There's no increased risk of cancer associated with uterine fibroids.
Untreated fibroids Get Worse With Time.Fibroids can continue to grow, both in size and number. As these tumors take over the uterus the symptoms will become worse and infertility follows.
Blood level goes down leading to further complications with
-Haemoglobin level
-Weakness
-Fatigue & pain.
It's estimated 70-80% of women develop fibroids during there reproductive life, but not everyone will require treatment. You can have a single fibroid or multiple ones.
In extreme cases, multiple fibroids can expand the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage & can add weight.
The most common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
1. Heavy menstrual bleeding
2. Menstrual periods lasting more than a week
3. Pelvic pressure or pain
4. Frequent urination
5. Difficulty emptying the bladder
6. Constipation
7. Backache or leg pains
Complications of uterine fibroids:
1. anemia
2. infertility
3. pregnancy loss
4. pregnancy complications like placental abruption, fetal growth restriction and preterm delivery.
PREVENTION
Little evidence is there in ways to prevent fibroids however maintaining a healthy diet and eating vegetables may decrease the plus.
Also use of hormonal contraceptives can lower the risk too.
Causes and Risk factors
-family history fibroids,
- obesity or early onset of puberty,
- alcohol intake,
-unregulated intake of birth control pills
-Genetic changes
-Vitamin D deficiency
-Diet High in red meat and lower in green vegetables
-Hormone imbalance of progesterone and oestrogen causes growth of fibroid and myomas in the uterus due to the proliferative cells also this explains why after menopause the fibroids shrink and disappear.
Diagnosis
There are several diagnostic tests for fibroids.
N/B: If you have the aforementioned signs and symptoms see your DOCTOR.
