Fibroids

It is estimated that around 40% of women will develop fibroids at some stage in their lives.

They are non-cancerous (benign) growths of muscle tissue that develop in the uterus (womb). Their size can range from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit. Fibroids can also be referred to as uterine myomas, fibromyomas, or leiomyomas.

The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but they are often linked to oestrogen and progesterone levels, and genetic predisposition may also play a role.

Types of Fibroids

Fibroids are classified based on their location in the uterus:

Intramural Fibroids: within the uterine muscle wall.
Subserous Fibroids: growing outward from the uterine wall into the pelvis.
Submucous Fibroids: extending inward into the uterine cavity.
Pedunculated Fibroids: attached to the uterus by a thin stalk.

How are fibroids diagnosed?

Fibroids are typically diagnosed using ultrasound to determine their size and position. In some cases, larger fibroids may be detected through physical examination by pressing on the abdomen or pelvis.

What symptoms might one experience?

While many women with fibroids experience no symptoms, some may notice:

Heavy or painful menstrual bleeding
Abdominal pain or bloating
Pressure on the bladder or bowel, causing urinary or bowel issues
Pain during intercourse
Difficulty with fertility or pregnancy

What are the treatment options?

Below are some resources which you might find useful when on your exercise journey.

Monitoring

If fibroids are not causing symptoms, regular monitoring with follow-up scans may be sufficient.

Medication

Tranexamic Acid: Reduces heavy menstrual bleeding.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Ibuprofen or mefenamic acid can help manage pain.
Hormonal Treatments: Options like the Mirena coil can regulate bleeding.
Ulipristal Acetate (Esmya): A medication to shrink fibroids.

Surgical Options

Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus.
Myomectomy: Removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus.
Uterine Artery Embolisation: Cutting off the blood supply to fibroids.
Myolysis: Procedures such as endometrial ablation or focused ultrasound to shrink fibroids.

Post-menopausal Changes

After menopause, fibroids typically shrink by up to 40% due to reduced hormone levels. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might influence this shrinkage, but HRT is generally safe for women with fibroids. Regular monitoring is recommended for those using HRT.