Find a preferred store
All topics

Uterine Fibroids

Published on December 11, 2024 at 8:00 / Updated on December 12, 2024 at 8:00

Description

Uterine fibroids are benign tumours that are very common in women. Less than 1% of fibroids are cancerous. They usually grow within the muscle wall of the uterus, or on the outer surface of the uterus, and often grow in clusters. They can vary in size from a pea to a grapefruit or even larger. Over time, fibroids may continue to grow, but they generally regress after menopause as estrogen levels drop.

You are at an increased risk if:

  • you are older than 30 years, with the greatest risk occurring between the ages of 40 and 50
  • you are African-American
  • your mother has a history of uterine fibroids
  • you are obese

Symptoms

Symptoms associated with fibroids depend on their size and location, in addition to other gynaecological disorders. The most common symptoms include:

  • increasingly heavy menstrual bleeding
  • bleeding between periods
  • pain in the lower abdomen
  • pain during intercourse
  • feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
  • increased abdominal volume causing bloating
  • increase in urinary frequency

Most women who have fibroids do not experience any complications. Some however, may develop excessively heavy bleeding, anemia, heart palpitations, discomfort, poor circulation, urinary problems or severe constipation. In some women, uterine fibroids may also affect fertility.

When fibroids are diagnosed during pregnancy, no particular treatment is indicated since complications are rare. However, when fibroids develop inside the uterus itself, they may prevent pregnancy and cause repeated miscarriages.

Treatment

Women who do not have symptoms do not generally require treatment. A follow-up every 6 to 12 months however, is recommended. In some cases, hormone therapy may be used. In other cases, anti-inflammatories can alleviate some of the symptoms. Surgery is an option, but only if major complications arise, or if the patient has severe symptoms.

Women with one or several of the above mentioned symptoms should consult with their doctor so that the necessary examinations can be performed, and to ensure that the appropriate follow-up is carried out.

For more information, speak to your pharmacist!

  • Similar articles in the topic Fibromes

    Abnormal vaginal bleeding

    As soon as she enters puberty, a woman is subject to several physiological and hormonal changes. Periods are the main reason for vaginal bleeding; from the very first menstrual cycle to menopause. However, a variety of conditions can influence the nature, frequency and amount of bleeding, sometimes causing abnormal vaginal bleeding. While some heavy bleeding may be harmless, bleeding deemed abnormal is worth checking into. Here you will find all the information relating to the definition, symptoms, causes and treatments of abnormal vaginal bleeding, and more.

    Read article
The drugs and pharmaceutical services featured on the familiprix.com website are offered by pharmacists who own the affiliated pharmacies at Familiprix. The information contained on the familiprix.com site is for informational purposes only and does not in any way replace the advice and advice of your pharmacist or any other health professional. Always consult a health professional before taking or discontinuing medication or making any other decision. Familiprix inc. and the proprietary pharmacists affiliated with Familiprix do not engage in any way by making this information available on this website.