Discover Local Non-Surgical Treatments for Fibroids

While their exact cause remains uncertain, studies indicate that genetic factors and prolonged estrogen exposure could increase the likelihood of developing Fibroids.

If you have no symptoms, treatment might not be needed. However, many patients don’t know that many troublesome issues are related to Fibroids. Even when Fibroids are small, they will likely continue to grow. They may become more prone to contribute to worsening symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and bulk symptoms such as constipation, bloating, pain on intercourse, increased urinary frequency and urgency, and may provoke miscarriages or impaired fertility. As such, you should consult your interventional radiologist to determine if and when treatment may be best for you.

The optimal treatment for Fibroids depends in part on your pregnancy plans and the timing of your intended pregnancy, whether or not you have had miscarriages in the past and your specific and overall clinical presentation. Discuss your unique clinical presentation and fertility goals with your interventional radiologist to find the most suitable option for you.

While Fibroids primarily cause weight gain rather than weight loss, they can significantly impact your weight. They often lead to abdominal swelling and bloating due to their growth in the abdominal cavity. This “Fibroid belly” can make the abdomen bulge and appear several months pregnant, resulting in tight clothing and discomfort. Hormonal imbalances, particularly in estrogen and progesterone, can also contribute to weight gain associated with Fibroids.

Uterine Fibroids are a common condition characterized by benign (non-cancerous) tumors developing in the uterus. These muscular tumors are routinely non-cancerous. However, in less than 1% of women presenting with Fibroids, a cancerous tumor can be found. Although a rarity, this statistic makes Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of women with suspected or known Fibroids particularly important.

For uterine Fibroids, it’s helpful to avoid diets high in fat and processed meats. It is also helpful to consume more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Green tea and turmeric contain plant-based compounds that may reduce Fibroid growth. Drinking a few cups of green tea daily might help shrink Fibroids naturally while reducing symptoms.

Women with uterine Fibroids often feel fatigued. This may be due to increased urinary urgency and frequency or pelvic discomfort that may repeatedly disrupt restful sleep. More commonly, heavy menstrual bleeding may result in anemia, which may result in low energy and fatigue. With fewer red blood cells carrying oxygen through the bloodstream, symptoms like weakness and shortness of breath can further contribute to exhaustion.

Fibroid symptoms vary in intensity and can be mild or severe, intermittent or constant. During menses, menstrual bleeding is often moderate to severe. Abdominal cramping associated with these periods may also be mild to severe. Abdominal bloating usually worsens leading up to menses and may improve the week after. Positions that place the weight of the Fibroids on the urinary bladder or rectum may worsen compressive symptoms such as urinary frequency or constipation, respectively. Acidic and pro-inflammatory foods may worsen subjective symptoms. Pain associated with Fibroids may occur or worsen during intercourse, exercise, bowel movements, or menstruation and may radiate down the leg. An enlarged uterus can pressure nearby organs, while pedunculated Fibroids may cause severe pain if their stalk twists.