Many women experience pelvic pain, heavy periods, or bloating, and chalk it up to “normal” cycle discomfort. But in many cases, uterine fibroids are the root cause. These noncancerous growths affect up to 70% of women by age 50, and yet so many suffer silently. At Femina Health, we believe awareness is the first step toward relief.
What Are Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas or myomas) are benign tumors that grow in or around the uterus. They vary in size, number, and location, from as small as a seed to as large as a grapefruit. Fibroids are not cancerous, but they can significantly impact quality of life, especially when they cause symptoms.
Fibroids may grow:
- Inside the uterine wall (intramural)
- On the outer surface (subserosal)
- Inside the uterine cavity (submucosal)
- On a stalk outside the uterus (pedunculated)
Many women with fibroids don’t know they have them until they’re found during a routine exam or imaging.
Common Symptoms of Fibroids
Symptoms vary depending on the size, number, and location of fibroids. You may experience:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Bloating or fullness in the abdomen
- Frequent urination
- Constipation or difficulty emptying the bladder
- Pain during sex
- Lower back pain
- Difficulty getting pregnant or maintaining pregnancy
Note: Some women have no symptoms at all. Others may struggle with daily discomfort.
What Causes Fibroids?
The exact cause of fibroids isn’t known, but several factors are thought to play a role:
- Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and stimulate fibroid growth. This is why fibroids often grow during reproductive years and shrink after menopause.
- Genetics: A family history of fibroids increases your risk.
- Race: Black women are more likely to develop fibroids at a younger age and with more severe symptoms.
- Lifestyle factors: Obesity, high blood pressure, and a diet high in red meat and low in green vegetables may contribute.
Treatment and Relief Options
Not all fibroids require treatment. The right approach depends on your symptoms, goals, and overall health. At Femina Health, we offer personalized virtual support to help you manage fibroids with:
- Lifestyle changes: A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet and regular exercise may help slow fibroid growth.
- Supplements: Some research suggests that vitamin D and green tea extract may have mild effects on fibroid growth.
We’re here to guide you through these options based on your personal situation.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the following, it’s time to seek care:
- Heavy periods that soak through pads or tampons quickly
- Severe pelvic pain or pressure
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Frequent urination or constipation without another cause
Early diagnosis can improve your comfort and protect your reproductive health.
How Femina Health Can Help
You don’t have to navigate fibroids alone. Our licensed providers offer virtual consultations to:
- Discuss your symptoms
- Review lab results or imaging
- Build a personalized care plan
- Recommend next steps referrals when needed
Key Takeaway
Fibroids are common, but they don’t have to control your life. With the right knowledge and support, you can manage symptoms, support your fertility, and feel more in control of your reproductive health.
Femina Health is here to walk with you every step of the way. Learn how fibroids affect fertility and your treatment options.
Book a virtual consultation today and take the first step toward relief.
