Fibroids in Women: Signs, Risks, and Treatments

Fibroids are non-cancerous lumps that grow in or around a woman's uterus.

- DR. ANJALI SHARMA

They are made of muscle and tissue and are very common, especially in women who are still having their periods. Many women don't even know they have fibroids because they don't always cause problems. But when they grow big or are in certain spots, they can cause pain or other health issues.

Types of Fibroids

Fibroids can vary in size, number, and location. Based on their position in the uterus, they are classified into the following types:

Intramural Fibroids: These grow within the muscular wall of the uterus and are the most common type.

Subserosal Fibroids: These project outward from the uterus and can press against surrounding organs.

Submucosal Fibroids: These protrude into the uterine cavity and often cause heavy bleeding and fertility problems.

Pedunculated Fibroids: These grow on a stalk either inside or outside the uterus and can sometimes twist, causing severe pain.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of fibroids is still unknown, but several factors may contribute to their development:

Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, promote the growth of fibroids. They tend to shrink after menopause due to a drop in hormone levels.

Genetics: A family history of fibroids increases the risk of developing them.

Age and Ethnicity: Fibroids are most common in women between the ages of 30 and 50. African-American women are more likely to develop fibroids and at a younger age.