What Doctors Rarely Tell Women About Fibroids

Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths, yet they can pose significant health challenges. These tumors affect nearly 80% of women by age 50, exhibiting a variety of shapes and sizes. While many women experience no serious issues, others endure profound changes, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic discomfort, and complications with fertility.Black women face a notably higher incidence of fibroids, which tend to be larger and appear earlier. As Fibroid Awareness Month approaches, accompanying insights might shed light on lesser-known facts. Fibroids thrive on estrogen, leading to spontaneous shrinkage post-menopause when estrogen levels decline. However, some fibroids can persist or even increase in size, particularly in those undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Additionally, symptoms can extend beyond the typical heavy periods. Leg pain may occur, misdiagnosed as sciatica, and larger fibroids can induce blockages, resulting in hydronephrosis. Thus, persistent or unusual symptoms should never be overlooked, warranting immediate medical evaluation.