Fibroids Specialist

What are fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that usually show up during childbearing years.

Fibroids vary in size from so tiny that they’re undetectable to the human eye, to bulky masses that can enlarge and distort the uterus. You can have a single fibroid or multiple fibroids. In rare cases, multiple fibroids can expand the uterus to the point that it reaches the rib cage.

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

For some women, fibroids might have any symptoms at all, but some of the most common symptoms can include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Menstrual periods lasting longer than seven days
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation
• Leg pain or backache

It’s always best to visit Westchester Women’s Medical Healthcare if you have concerning symptoms that are negatively impacting your daily life.

What causes uterine fibroids?

The exact cause of uterine fibroids isn’t clear, but it might be associated with:

• Genetics (changes in specific genes that differ from those in normal uterine muscle cells)
• Hormones (such as excess estrogen and progesterone)
• Other growth factors (such as insulin-like growth factor)

Some of the factors that can increase your risk of developing fibroids include:

• A family history of fibroids
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Onset of menstruation at an early age
• Use of birth control
• Obesity
• Excess alcohol consumption

Some fibroids can lead to complications, such as fertility problems or anemia from heavy blood loss.

What are the treatments for uterine fibroids?

Some fibroids won’t require treatment and go away on their own. Following a diagnosis with a discussion of your medical history, your provider might suggest any necessary testing, such as a pelvic exam, lab tests, hysteroscopy, and ultrasounds.

Your provider might recommend various treatments for fibroids including healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy body weight, consuming a nutrient-dense diet, using stress management techniques, and getting regular exercise.

Most medications for fibroids target the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle. Some medications can shrink fibroids, lower inflammation, and alleviate symptoms. Medications can be taken in different ways, such as orally, topically, or inserted as an intrauterine device (IUD).

In some cases, your provider might recommend certain procedures, such as an MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery, uterine artery embolization, endometrial ablation, or a laparoscopic myolysis or myomectomy.

These surgical procedures involve viewing the fibroids with special imaging and removing or shrinking the fibroids with the use of special laser technology, tools, instruments, or medical solutions. Some procedures also remove the uterus (hysterectomy).

For individualized care from providers that always put your well-being first, call one of the offices or schedule online today.