Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas or myomas) are bundles of smooth muscle and connective tissue that can be as small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit. Uterine fibroids are typically slow-growing and non-cancerous. Around 30% of women over age 30 have at least one fibroid. Hysterectomies due to fibroids are the most common major surgery in women.
Uterine fibroids are classified according to their location, as follows:
• Submucosal (just under the lining of the uterus)
• Intramural (within the uterine muscle wall)
• Subserosal (just inside the outer wall of the uterus)
• Interligamentous (in the cervix between the two layers of the broad ligament)
• Pedunculated (on a stalk, either submucosal or subserous)
Symptoms
Causes
The cause is unknown but research point to complex interactions between estrogen, progesterone, and local growth factors that contribute to the growth of fibroids. In addition, environmental compounds known as xenoestrogens also play a major role in the growth of fibroids. Examples of xenoestrogens include phthalates (used in plastics), pesticides, tobacco smoke by-products, and various solvents. Xenoestrogens enhance the effects of estrogen in the body by binding to estrogen receptors. They also promote a shift from healthy estrogen breakdown products to cancer-causing estrogen metabolites. Other factors that may contribute to fibroid development include, synthetic hormones in both meat and dairy products and anovulatory cycles.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, please contact Dr. Linda Gedeon for proper evaluation and to discuss the best treatment options for you.
Uterine fibroids are classified according to their location, as follows:
• Submucosal (just under the lining of the uterus)
• Intramural (within the uterine muscle wall)
• Subserosal (just inside the outer wall of the uterus)
• Interligamentous (in the cervix between the two layers of the broad ligament)
• Pedunculated (on a stalk, either submucosal or subserous)
Symptoms
- Prolonged menstrual periods (7 days or longer)
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Bloating or fullness in the belly or pelvis
- Pain in the lower belly or pelvis
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Pain with intercourse
- Difficulty emptying your bladder
- Anemia due to increased blood loss
Causes
The cause is unknown but research point to complex interactions between estrogen, progesterone, and local growth factors that contribute to the growth of fibroids. In addition, environmental compounds known as xenoestrogens also play a major role in the growth of fibroids. Examples of xenoestrogens include phthalates (used in plastics), pesticides, tobacco smoke by-products, and various solvents. Xenoestrogens enhance the effects of estrogen in the body by binding to estrogen receptors. They also promote a shift from healthy estrogen breakdown products to cancer-causing estrogen metabolites. Other factors that may contribute to fibroid development include, synthetic hormones in both meat and dairy products and anovulatory cycles.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, please contact Dr. Linda Gedeon for proper evaluation and to discuss the best treatment options for you.
