Menstruating women as well as those entering menopause can be suffering from fibroid tumors. Fibroid tumors are non-cancerous and grow on the lining of the uterus. Symptoms can include severe pain and abdominal cramps, as well as other discomforts. Fibroid tumors are believed to increase in size due to increased levels of estrogen in a woman's body.
Bleeding
Women with fibroid tumors can experience abnormal or heavy bleeding during their menstrual cycle. Another symptom may be bleeding or spotting between periods.
Pain
Abdominal pain, bloating and pressure in the pelvic area are symptoms of fibroid tumors. Fibroid tumors can grow large enough to affect bladder function, resulting in frequent and urgent urination.
Infertility
Fibroid tumors can prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall. Spontaneous abortions in the first three months are also a possibility with fibroid tumors, as they can alter the uterine cavity or restrict blood flow needed for the fetus.
Diagnosis
A pelvic and abdominal examination is necessary to check the contour of uterus. An enlarged and irregular uterus that is hard or lumpy or soft and cystic could be diagnosed as having fibroid tumors.
Considerations
A pelvic ultrasound can be performed to determine if there are bumpy lesions on the uterus, as well as their shape and density. An ultrasound would determine if the uterus lesions are cysts or fibroid tumors.
Prevention and Treatment
Women prone to fibroid tumors would be required to follow a low-estrogen diet or be placed on lower-estrogen birth control. Treatment is not necessary in all cases, as fibroid tumors can go away on their own. Extreme cases would require surgery for removal of growths or a hysterectomy.
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