Uterine fibroids, also called uterine leiomyomas, or myomas, are benign tumours of the smooth muscle fibers of the uterus. They develop from the muscle cells of the uterus and grow to different sizes ranging from very small to very large. Because they are non-cancerous, they do not pose any immediate health problems and are very commonly found in young women. Uterine fibroids are usually contained within the muscular wall of the uterus, but they can also protrude from the inside or outside surface.
The classification of fibroids is commonly done based on where they are located within the uterus. The uterus is composed of three layers:
1. The endometrium, which is the the inner lining that lines the cavity.
2. The serosa, which is the outer lining.
3. The myometrium, which is the wall of the uterus itself consisting mainly of smooth muscle.
Submucous fibroids grows just under the uterine lining.
Intracavitary fibroids grow inside the uterine cavity.
Intramural fibroids grow in the muscular wall of the uterus.
Subserosal fibroids grow on the outer surface of the uterus.
Pedunculated fibroids are attached to the uterus by a stalk.
To learn more about uterine fibroids, watch this very interesting video:
Why Do Uterine Fibroids Form?
The reason for the formation and development of fibroids is unknown, but many sources speculate that fibroids may be a mechanism of the body to seal off toxins in an area where they are kept away from causing harm. This is proven by the presence of many toxins in fibroid tissue.
Stress plays a very important role in uterine fibroids. I believe that there is a strong mental and emotional connection between fibroids and women who are incapable of expressing their creativity and hold their fears and suppressed anger in their uterus.
Causes of Uterine Fibroids
The main reason for uterine fibroids growth and development seems to be connected to the unbalanced level of hormones progesterone and estrogen. Fibroid growth is related to increased number of estrogen receptors in the fibroid tissue, while progesterone is low in women with fibroids.
When a woman becomes to menstruate, her hormone levels are coordinated in order for the ovulation process to occur. During this time the levels of estrogen and progesterone is the highest.
When a woman goes through menopause, the level of these hormones decreases and generally fibroids will begin to shrink and any symptoms that have occurred from the hormones will settle.
Also, many women who develop uterine fibroids may have a genetic predisposition and most likely someone in their family has or had the same condition.
The diet women have also may aggravate the severity of uterine fibroids as well as some life style choices. For example, a diet high in animal proteins and saturated fatty acids puts women at risk of developing fibroids.
Melatonin deficiency could potentially make women more predispose to fibroids because melatonin decreases the number of estrogen receptors. This is why it is very important to prevent being exposed to light at night.
How Uterine Fibroids are Diagnosed
The following are medical tests your health care practitioner may ask you to undergo in order to detect the nature of uterine fibroids.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound is performed by placing a instrument on the abdomen in order to view the presence of fibroids in the uterus.
In some cases the ultrasound can be done by inserting the instrument inside the vagina.
This test can also give a measure of the fibroids and can also see if the uterus is enlarged and what may be the cause.
An ultrasound exam may last for half an hour and it is quite safe with no health risks.
The only discomfort experienced during this test is due to the fact that the bladder has to be full.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI
An MRI is usually not done routinely due to its high cost. It is recommended if during the ultrasound, it was hard to see the ovaries or if the doctors want to have more detailed information on the structure of the fibroids.
This test does not use X-rays, and it is not necessary to have a full bladder. The test takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy allows the physician directly observe the uterine cavity. It is usually recommended in cases if infertility, heavy bleeding, and recurrent miscarriages.
During this test a hysteroscope is lightly inserted into the uterus through the cervix. At times general or local anesthesia may be given due to the fact this type of test may cause pain and discomfort.
Hysterosalpingogram or HSG
During this test, the physician injects a dye in order to fill the uterus to see the shape of the uterus and its cavity. X-ray pictures of the uterus and fallopian tubes can be taken during this procedure.
These images are then analyzed to check for blockages. In many cases, a woman going through this type of test will experience cramping and she will be advices by her doctor to take a painkiller.
The dye is non-toxic and it is quickly removed from the body. There could be problems only if the woman is allergic to shellfish or iodine.
Endometrial Biopsy
An endometrial biopsy is usually recommended if a women is experiencing very heavy periods that last for a long number of days. During this type of procedure, a small piece of the lining of the uterus is retrieved and microscopically examined.
The reason for this testing is to exclude other causes for the bleeding, like the presence of a polyp, an infection, or cancer.
Dilatation and Curettage or D and C
A D and C is usually done, instead of an endometrial biopsy, when a larger tissue sample is required. This procedure is performed by enlarging the cervix entrance and inserting an instrument that is used to scrape a piece of tissue from the inner lining of the uterine cavity.
This test requires hospitalization and general or local anesthesia.
Other Tests
Other tests may be performed to exclude other potential problems that can cause similar symptoms, like an hormonal imbalance, which causes heavy periods and infertility or a bladder infection that causes discomfort, frequent urination and some spot bleeding.
Find natural relief from pelvic pain and bloating.
Uterine fibroids can cause a lot of menstrual problems from heavy, prolonged, painful periods to infertility and cyst formation.
O U Clear is a 100% natural treatment for these type of problems.
The herbal formulate has been used by Traditional Chinese Medical Doctors in China for a very long time and proven to be effective.
This formula works by supporting the natural body's cleansing process and help release and break down clots, debris and blockages caused by cystic formations.
If you are like many women who has ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis, to prevent a hysterectomy surgery, natural remedies can improve your symptoms and alleviate your discomforts to a great degree.
How to Get Pregnant Naturally with a Little Help
Based on the principles of Holistic Medicine with effectiveness proven by double-blinded clinical studies, getting pregnant naturally has never been easier.
Discover how to create hormonal balance, support ovarian function and increase fertile mucus production by taking female fertility supplements.
For male infertility issues, 100% natural male fertility nutraceuticals increase sperm count, improve sperm morphology, motility and overall quality.
Find out more...
The information on this Web Site is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is designed for educational purpose only.
Please always consult with a qualified health care professional.
