All Things Fibroids

Hey sis!

This article is meant to empower you, how?

They say knowledge is power, so am about to share some insights.

You probably stopped by here because there was a call for you to read this article from our social media platforms. Karibu. Or you could be one of our avid followers. Whoever you are, am delighted to let you in to the world of fibroids so as to understand this condition better.

Let’s define what fibroids are.

Fibroids are:

Fibroids are benign tumors’ that grow in a woman’s uterus you may also refer to it as the womb.

While we are at it, let’s burst a few myths around what fibroids are “imagined” to be.

Fibroids are not:

Cancerous

Myth: Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy body tissue.

Fact: Fibroids do become bigger with an increase in estrogen but they don’t destroy body tissues, they are made of muscle tissue and not fibrous tissue.

Fibroids are caused by:

Estrogen dominance, where estrogen levels are higher than any other hormone in a woman’s body.

We women have progesterone, estrogen and testosterone hormones. Progesterone is produced after ovulation and prepares the endometrium for the potential of pregnancy after ovulation. It triggers the lining to thicken to accept a fertilized egg.

Testosterone on the other hand helps in producing new blood cells, maintain sex drive, or boost levels of other reproductive hormones.

Estrogen is produced during ovulation and is produced in the ovaries and fat cells.

It triggers the release of an egg.

So what are the symptoms of estrogen dominance?

N.B. Please not that this symptoms may not necessarily mean you have fibroids they could also be symptoms of other conditions.

Here we go:

Bloating, heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular periods, weight gain, decreased libido, cold feet or hands, hair loss, swollen breasts and fatigue.

Did I mention you can have fibroids and not have symptoms?

In case you suspect you do have them, visit your gynae and get a pelvic exam done.

Your doctor will probably ask you to get examined by a radiologist.

This is because fibroids can be asymptomatic or symptomatic.

Symptomatic ones like submucosal that are found in the uterine cavity can cause miscarriages, heavy bleeding followed by heavy clots, anemia, cold chills and frequent exhaustion.

Other types of fibroids include:

• Pedunculated Fibroids - Subserosal tumors can develop a stem, a slender base that supports the tumor. When they do, they’re known as pedunculated fibroids.

• Intramural Fibroids - Found in the walls of the uterus

• Subserosal Fibroids-Outside the uterus

So in the case you have symptomatic fibroids the only permanent option is a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) which in most cases wouldn’t be advised by your doctor in case you want to have children in the future.

Other treatment options don’t are meant to offer a short relief from you’re the symptoms (ask your doctor how long it would take for your fibroids to come back after they are removed.

Your doctor should advice you on the best treatment options in the event you have symptomatic fibroids.

Remember to ask your doctor about the benefits and complications that may arise from of each treatment options.

Here are the treatment options, they may range from less or more intrusive:

1. Uterine Embolization

2. Open Myomectomy

3. Laparoscopic Myomectomy

I hope this was insightful.

If you are wondering what my journey with fibroids has been like, please check out my previous blogs articles.

Ooh and if you are living with fibroids, I would love to hear your story and probably how you manage them, will you let me in?

If you have any questions regarding treatment options and the management of fibroids let me know in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by.

God loves you like crazy and so do I!

Signed,

Tabby (your fibroid sister)