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What are fibroids?
Fibroids are abnormal growths in or on the uterus of women. Uterine fibroids, myomas, and leiomyomas are other names for it. These tumours can grow to be quite large, causing severe stomach pain and heavy periods. In some circumstances, they produce no symptoms at all. The growths are usually noncancerous or benign. Fibroids are a form of noncancerous tumour that can develop in and around the uterus. Fibroids do not always create symptoms, but they may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, back pain, frequent urination, and sex pain when they do. Small fibroids rarely require treatment, while more significant fibroids may require medication or surgery. Fibroids develop inside and outside the uterine walls. Muscle and other tissues make up their structure. They can be as small as a grain of rice or as huge as a tennis ball. You may have several fibroids or just one.
Top 9 Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Most fibroids don’t create any symptoms and don’t require any treatment beyond frequent monitoring by your doctor. Small fibroids are the most common type. Asymptomatic fibroid refers to a fibroid that doesn’t cause any symptoms. Larger fibroids can produce several symptoms, including:
- Bleeding that is excessive or uncomfortable during your period (menstruation).
- Bleeding in between your periods is a common phenomenon.
- Bloating or a sense of fullness in your lower abdomen.
- Urination regularly (this can happen when a fibroid puts pressure on your bladder).
- During intercourse, there is pain.
- Low back discomfort.
- Constipation.
- Inability to urinate or empty your bladder.
- Increased abdominal distention (enlargement), giving the appearance of a pregnant stomach.
Top 3 Risk Factors of Uterine Fibroids
Except for being a woman of reproductive age, there are few known risk factors for uterine fibroids. The following are some of the factors that can influence fibroid development:
- Race. Fibroids can affect any woman of reproductive age, although black women are more prone than women of other races to get them. Furthermore, black women are more likely to have fibroids at a younger age, and they are more likely to have more or larger fibroids, as well as more severe symptoms.
- Heredity. If your mother or sister had fibroids, you’re more likely to get them as well.
- Other factors. Early menstruation, obesity, vitamin D insufficiency, a diet high in red meat and low in green vegetables, fruit, and dairy, and alcohol consumption, including beer, all tend to raise your risk of developing fibroids.
Top 4 Ways to Shrink Fibroids
Medical treatments: Not all fibroids need to be treated. If they cause symptoms, a doctor may suggest a variety of therapies based on the severity of the symptoms. Heavy menstrual bleeding can be controlled using birth control tablets and progesterone-related treatments like Depo-Provera injections or intrauterine devices (IUDs). They do not, however, diminish the fibroids. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa), such as Lupron, can be prescribed by doctors to reduce fibroids. They can, however, have serious adverse effects, such as bone loss. Thus most patients only use them for six months. Fibroids often reappear when people stop taking them.
Lifestyle changes: Some people may find that changing their lifestyle might help them cope with the symptoms of fibroids, such as painful or heavy periods and sadness. Regular exercise, breathing exercises, a healthy diet, and yoga are just a few of them. Fibroids are more common in overweight or obese people, thus keeping a healthy weight can also help prevent them. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are two of the most efficient strategies to lose weight.
Herbal remedies: Green tea includes antioxidant compounds known as flavanols. Antioxidants minimise oxidative stress in the body, which helps to reduce cell damage. Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to disease. As a result, green tea may be beneficial in the treatment of fibroids. Green tea for fibroids, however, requires additional investigation before healthcare practitioners may prescribe it. Resveratrol is a molecule produced by plants in response to environmental stress and illness. Blueberries, mulberries, raspberries, and grapes are all-natural sources of resveratrol. Resveratrol may inhibit the growth and reproduction of uterine fibroid cells, according to research. This research, on the other hand, focused on the effects of resveratrol on cell cultures. Researchers are unsure if consuming resveratrol-rich foods will affect fibroids. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is one of the active components. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects.
According to certain studies, True Source curcumin can kill fibrotic cells or prevent them from replicating. Again, cell cultures are the foundation of these investigations, and researchers must examine their impact on humans to determine whether they are helpful.
Dietary changes: According to some research, those who consume a diet heavy in red meat and high energy-dense foods (items high in calories, fat, and sugar) are more likely to acquire fibroids. White meat can be substituted for red meat (beef, ham, or lamb). In general, substituting white meats or plant-based sources of protein, such as beans, for red meats may benefit one’s health. Meat includes significant saturated and trans fats, which can elevate cholesterol and aggravate heart disease, according to the American Heart AssociationTrusted Source. Certain vitamin-rich foods may help guard against fibroids while also improving a person’s diet’s overall health. If a person’s diet isn’t providing enough of a particular vitamin, they should consider taking vitamin supplements. It is beneficial to your overall health to consume brightly coloured fruits and veggies. Antioxidants can be obtained by eating a variety of red, yellow, and orange foods. Dark greens are also high in nutrients and will assist your health. These minerals may aid in the prevention of diseases, including cancer.
Conclusion
Although fibroids cannot be prevented, some research suggests that certain lifestyle practices can lessen your risk. High-sugar diets have been related to an increased risk in some women, according to one study. Another study discovered that consuming fresh fruits and cruciferous vegetables, including arugula, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, and turnip greens, can reduce your risk of developing cancer. Beta-carotene, folate, vitamins C, E, and K, and other minerals, are abundant in cruciferous vegetables. They’re also a good source of fibre. Regular exercise might also help you avoid uterine fibroids.
