FOCUS ON FIBROIDS

We reveal the causes, symptoms and how to treat this gynaecological condition

- ALI HORSFALL

During menopause and the peri-menopausal years leading up to it, it’s typical for women to see changes in their menstrual cycle. But if you’re experiencing excessive bleeding, particularly long periods or pelvic pain, it may actually be the symptoms of fibroids. ‘Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumours of muscle and tissue that grow inside, within, or on, the wall of the womb,’ explains Shirin Irani, consultant gynaecologist at Spire Parkway Hospital. ‘They’re fairly common, in fact it’s estimated that up to 30 to 40% of women will have fibroids in various sizes, numbers and locations, and may not even know about it.’ Here’s the lowdown on what to look out for.

Why do women get them?

‘The actual cause of fibroids is unknown, but it’s thought that they’re linked to the hormone oestrogen,’ says Shirin. They develop in women during childbearing years, and tend to shrink after the menopause when oestrogen levels are low. Women of African-Caribbean origin suffer with the condition more frequently, while obesity is also considered to be a risk factor.

When to treat?