Fibroid
– Causes of fibroids.
– Suspected signs or symptoms of fibroids.
Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or on a woman’s uterus (womb). They are also non-cancerous tumors that grow from the muscle layers of the uterus (womb).
Fibroid often starts its growth from a tiny size, like the size of beans and it can grow as large as the size of a melon. Sometimes, these tumors become quite large and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods.
Fibroids are also called uterine fibroid. They are also classified according to their location in/or the uterus. Although uterine fibroids are usually not dangerous, they can cause discomfort.
They may also lead to complications such as anemia from heavy blood loss.
As a woman, there are some signals to know whether you have a fibroid or not. Although, it is mostly claimed that they cause no signs or symptoms.
It is also unclear why fibroids develop, often times and the cause of fibroid is unknown. But several factors may influence their formation. Those factors include:
1. Estrogen and progesterone
These are hormones produced by the ovaries. When estrogen levels are high, especially during pregnancy, fibroid tends to swell and when estrogen levels are low, fibroids may shrink, for example, during a woman’s menopause.
2. Family History
If fibroid runs in the family, there is the tendency that such a woman will have a fibroid.
3. Genetic changes can also cause fibroids.
4. Misplaced cells present in the body before birth.
Symptoms of fibroids may include:
- Heavy bleeding between or during periods that includes blood clots.
- A backache, pain in the pelvis and/or lower back.
- Constipation
- Anemia
- Pain during sex.
- Swelling of the stomach or enlargement of the abdomen.
- Menstrual cycle that lasts longer than the normal days among others might be symptoms of fibroids.
Although fibroids are non-cancerous, there is the need to keep them in check. Consult a doctor as soon as you start having certain symptoms that you suspect may be symptoms of fibroids.