Living with Uterine Fibroids

I have chosen to write this article to raise awareness of the condition: “Uterine Fibroids” and how debilitating it can be. You are not alone and there is nothing to be ashamed about it since this condition is quite common. If you are reading, this it means just like me you would have spent countless days, weeks, months and even years doing research. The challenges that women face are endless, but our reproductive health needs should be prioritized. In this article, we’ll talk about what is uterine fibroid, treatment options and the most susceptible group to developing it.

Firstly, let’s discuss what is fibroids and to gather a clear understanding of its symptoms, treatment options and how to stay healthy. It’s important to note that the reproductive process is possible and several women were able to conceive their children and live normal lives, in spite of being diagnosed with this condition.

What is Fibroid?

Firstly, we need to take the time to understand “What Uterine Fibroid is.” According to WebMD, “Uterine Fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas, uterine fibroids are not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer.”

These growths can occur in your adolescent years. Throughout many years of research, I have tasked myself in researching: “What have caused it, how it can be prevented and treated.” In consultation with several gynecologists’, some say that it is hereditary while, others cannot ascertain the exact cause as some women may experience different symptoms within their family. Other medical practitioners have ascertained that one’s lifestyle, diet, exercise or lack thereof may trigger the development of Uterine Fibroids.

Throughout several research pieces, many medical practitioners have  predominantly linked this condition to be found in African, Asian-Chinese women. In a study from Jama Network Open it stated, “Uterine fibroids disproportionately affect Black and Asian-Chinese patients, according to a recent study.” This brought many questions rather than the ability to resonate answers about this condition. I also wondered if these ethnic genes would predispose some women to uterine fibroids compared to others? Some studies suggest it affects women from ages 35 onwards.  From experience however, I can attest that I had been diagnosed with the condition in my early 20’s. Like so many advice that I have received, early detection is instrumental for prevention and/or early treatment.

Reflecting on my personal journey with this condition for more than 15 years, I have experienced the exacerbating effects of the fibroids. This journey propelled me to gain an understanding and to explore natural remedies to alleviate the condition without medical procedures. I am a strong believer of natural organic processes in hope of implementing the right diet, which may assist with the reduction of size and or even reduce symptoms. One may only able to determine whether diet or alternative methods would work by the usage of consistency which is a major life adjustment.

I have explored alternative medications such as herbal remedies for balancing hormones and managing symptoms of fibroids. In some instances, there was no noticeable difference in the before, during and after alternative medications. One of the spices recommended widely for dealing with female reproductive disorders and hormone imbalance is Saffron/Turmeric. This natural spice can be consumed as a beverage, either alone or a mixture of Molasses and Aloe Vera juice. This may cause heavier bleeding but does not suggest that your condition is improving. On the contrary, heavier bleeding leads to anemia. Understanding what causes heavy or prolonged menstrual cycle are mentioned below.

In attempting to manage the pain and discomfort associated with Uterine Fibroids, I started taking birth control methods such as the pill and Depo-Provera contraceptive shot. In some instances, the pill did alleviate some of the unpleasant side effects like cramps and reduce the menstrual flow in your cycle. On the other hand, Depo-Provera contraceptive shot was unpleasant experiences based on its side effects of usage during a two month period. With continuous visits to the doctor and ultrasounds, to my dismay I found out that there was a vast increase of size and quantity. After being pre-disposed to this diagnosis by my first initial doctor, it was both mentally and emotionally crippling for me. I felt misled and betrayed by lack of medical advice and I withdrew myself from using contraceptives again.

According to Huston Fibroids, it states that “While taking birth control may help you manage certain side effects of fibroids, there’s a caveat: fibroids are very responsive to estrogen, which means that taking birth control can actually make your tumors grow larger. For this reason, you’ll need to discuss your options with your doctors carefully. A larger fibroid tumor may cause you to experience a worsening of symptoms, cancelling out the temporary relief delivered by the estrogen in your birth control pills. Birth Control Can Help Prevent Fibroids– If you already have uterine fibroids, taking birth control could make your tumors increase in size. But if you haven’t yet been diagnosed, certain birth controls (especially those with lower doses of estrogen) may reduce your fibroid risk!” Experience has taught me there’s no harm in seeking a second and third option.

Some of the symptoms of Uterine Fibroids are:

• Heavy Menstrual bleeding
• Pain in legs
• Lower backpain
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation
• Menstruation that lasts longer than usual
• Pain during intercourse
• Swelling and enlargement of the uterus
• Increased length of menstrual cycle
• Menstrual clots
• Bleeding between periods

How does Uterine Fibroids contribute to heavy menstrual bleeding?

”Heavy menstrual bleeding” is typically defined as a period that lasts more than seven days and requires frequent changing of sanitary products. While there’s no one reason uterine fibroids cause heavy, prolonged periods, there are a few theories.

• Uterine Fibroids may press against the uterine lining, causing more bleeding than usual.
• The uterus may not contract properly, which means it can’t stop the bleeding.
• Fibroids may stimulate the growth of blood vessels, which contributes to heavier or irregular periods and spotting between periods.
• Elevated levels of hormones called prostaglandinsmay also contribute to heavy bleeding.

“Heavy menstrual bleeding related to uterine fibroids is typically based on the location of the fibroids, contractility of the uterus, the presence of ancillary prostaglandins, and any distortion to the lining of the uterus,” explained by Bradley.

What is Anemia?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it states “Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood produces a lower-than-normal amount of healthy red blood cells. If you have anemia, your body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. The lack of oxygen can make you feel tired or weak. You may also have shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, or an irregular heartbeat.”

In my experience, one useful tip that assisted me in alleviating the pain and discomfort would be doing an abdominal exercise routine before the onset of the next menstrual cycle.  If you are physically able to, this is a natural procedure you can implement, besides exercises provide the body and brain with tremendous benefits.

Excessive bleeding leads to anemia and can cause someone to hemorrhage. This can be quite debilitating especially if the person is already anemic.  Knowing what type of Fibroids you have is important as this plays a critical role in thinking about reproduction or possibility of reproducing children.

When I was first diagnosed with the condition, I would have been about 22-24 years of age. My doctor told me it was extremely small and does not pose any threat and I should not worry about it. He also explained that “It was too small to cause the side effects.” Even when I complained about lower back pain, pains in my leg mostly right leg, excessive abdominal pain, upset stomach, etc. He would often relate these symptoms as PMS and nothing more. Now in my 30”s, I conducted vigorous research about this condition and engaged conversations with women who experienced similar issues since I was not satisfied with the medical practitioner’s conclusion.

After my last doctor assessment this year, the results indicated that it had significantly grown and multiplied immensely. Eleven years ago after having my daughter, I felt this massive mass in my abdominal area and alerted the doctor to examine it. The doctor claimed it was the womb and it would shift back in place naturally. Upon examining it, she recommended that an immediate ultrasound was needed.  At that moment, it was discovered that pregnancy had made the situation worse. Through prior consultations with medical practitioners, I was told that this condition would have shrunk and it would be ok. To my surprise, it never returned to the original size, as expected.

It is important to note that there are different types of Fibroids and knowing this information is important for you or your spouse, daughter, mother, friend or any female you may know dealing with this medical condition. Here’s why there are different types of fibroids and they are named after the region of the uterus in with affects.

Types of Fibroids according to Advanced Genecology Melbourne are as follows:

SUBSEROSAL FIBROIDS

Subserosal Fibroids are located near the outer layer or serosa of the uterus. Because they grow more towards the outside of the uterus, small subserosal fibroids are less likely to cause significant symptoms. Small asymptomatic subserosal fibroids usually do not require any treatment and can be just monitored with regular ultrasounds. Larger fibroids can become symptomatic.

Typical Symptoms of Subserosal Fibroids:

– Heavy menstrual bleeding, caused by the larger size of the uterus.

– Pressure symptoms over nearby organs, most commonly the bladder (increased urinary frequency) and rectum (difficult motions/constipation).

SUBMUCOSAL FIBROIDS

Submucous fibroids grow towards the internal layer or mucosa of the uterus and protrude into the uterine cavity. They tend to be symptomatic at smaller sizes, the main symptom being heavy and irregular bleeding. Submucous fibroids are also more likely to impact fertility, both by making it difficult to fall pregnant and by causing miscarriages. Submucous fibroids can be removed through a hysteroscopy, a very non-invasive method and consideration for removal should be done early, as soon as they are diagnosed.

INTRAMURAL FIBROIDS

Intramural fibroids are located predominantly within the width of the uterine muscle or myometrium.

They tend to behave like subserous fibroids, but depending on their size and position, can cause all the usual symptoms associated with fibroids:

– Heavy bleeding or extended periods

– Bleeding between menstrual cycle

– Pressure symptoms

– Infertility and miscarriages

PEDUNCULATED FIBROIDS

Pedunculated fibroids are not considered different from the types above, but a variation of subseroral or submucosal fibroids. They grow on a stalk out of the uterine walls, outside (subserosal) or inside(submucosal) the uterus. Pedunculated subserosal fibroids usually have very mild symptoms unless they are very large. Pedunculated submucosal fibroids on the other hand, can have significant symptoms and very often cause infertility.

I wish this knowledge that I have gained today, I wish I was exposed to this information sooner.  Nevertheless, there is hope with so many medical treatment options available for those affected. Doctors are saying that it is more common than most persons think. For me, one of the things that I mostly disliked about it was the appearance of looking pregnant. That part of it remains noticeable and causes differing levels of discomfort.

My advice to anyone would be to consult with a doctor before trying any treatment option you think is best for you. Each individual is different and for that reason there are various approaches to getting your life back on track again. Listed below are some of the research treatment options you can discuss with your doctor. Again, I caution you, seek medical advice, do research and if you feel uncomfortable about what is being suggested there’s no harm in seeking additional professional opinion.

Fibroid Treatment options:

• Myomectomy
• Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
• Hysterectomy
• Focused Ultrasound Treatment
• Radiofrequency ablation

I sincerely hope that if you or someone you know are living with Fibroids that you get relief in a safe and professional manner. Please feel free to do more research and don’t wait too long before acting on it and reclaim your life. It’s really never too late.

Written by: Dainelle T.M. La Vende

References

• Mayo Clinic- “Diseases-Conditions in Uterine Fibroids, symptoms and causes” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354288#: ~:text=Uterine%20fibroids%2C%20also%20called%20leiomyomas,some%20point%20in%20their%20lives

• NHLBI Health- “Anemia”

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia#:~:text=Anemia%20is%20a%20condition%20that,you%20feel%20tired%20or%20weak

• Contemporary OBGYN View: “Uterine Fibroid burden based on race and ethnicity.” https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/uterine-fibroid-burden-based-on-race-and-ethnicity

• Everyday Health.com: “Women’s Health-Uterine Fibroids, heavy menstrual bleeding.” https://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health/uterine-fibroids-heavy-menstrual-bleeding/

• Houston fibroids: “Treatment options, birth control and fibroids-what you need to know.” https://houstonfibroids.com/posts/treatment-options/birth-control-and-fibroids-what-you-need-to-know/#:~:text=While%20taking%20birth%20control%20may,options%20with%20your%20doctors%20carefully