What are the dangers of fibroids?

Fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, debilitating abdominal pain, and pelvic pressure. While the complications they cause typically aren't life-threatening, fibroids can change the structure of your uterus and affect fertility. Only a medical professional can determine whether your fibroids are a cause for concern.
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What happens if fibroids go untreated?

Fibroids can cause bleeding that may cause anemia when left untreated. Although most fibroids are noncancerous, rarely they may lead to cancer. An untreated uterine fibroid may also cause infertility in some women, although removal of the fibroid in such women can restore fertility.
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Can fibroids be life threatening?

Fibroids are not life-threatening, but depending on their location in the uterus and their size, they can create pain and discomfort, which can be remedied with medical attention.
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Is fibroids a serious problem?

Although uterine fibroids usually aren't dangerous, they can cause discomfort and may lead to complications such as a drop in red blood cells (anemia), which causes fatigue, from heavy blood loss. Rarely, a transfusion is needed due to blood loss.
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Should I worry about having fibroids?

Women can have a single fibroid or multiple fibroids and they can range from the size of a seed to the size of a melon. Because so many women are affected by them, and because they're the leading cause of hysterectomies in the United States, fibroids are an important public health concern.
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Symptoms and Risk Factors for Fibroids



Can fibroids give you a big belly?

Larger fibroids may cause a woman to gain weight in the abdomen, giving the appearance of normal belly fat. Simply put, the more a fibroid grows, the heavier it will become. Consequently, weight gain and discomfort will follow as some fibroids can weigh up to as much as 20-40 pounds.
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Should fibroids be removed?

Because they're typically not cancerous, you can decide whether or not you want to have them removed. You may not need surgery if your fibroids don't bother you. However, you might consider surgery if your fibroids cause: heavy menstrual bleeding.
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Can fibroids turn cancerous?

Uterine fibroids do not turn into cancer—they are entirely benign tumours arising from smooth muscle tissues within the uterus. Fibroids are the most common pelvic tumours in women and they are non-cancerous.
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What is the main cause of fibroids?

What causes fibroids? The cause of fibroids is not known. Research suggests each tumor develops from an abnormal muscle cell in the uterus and multiplies rapidly when encountering the estrogen hormone, which promotes the tumor's growth.
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Is it OK to leave fibroids alone?

Adds Goldstein: "As long as the fibroids are not causing severe pain or heavy bleeding, it is safe to leave them alone -- even if they are fast growing."
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What is the best treatment for fibroids?

The most effective medications for the treatment of fibroids are gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa), (including Lupron, Synarel, Zoladex). GnRH agonists cause a low-estrogen (menopause-like) state which causes reduction size of the tumor and uterus.
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What naturally kills fibroids?

Vitamins and supplements

Milk and dairy may help to reduce fibroids. Dairy products contain high amounts of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These nutrients may help prevent growth of fibroids. Some types of vitamins may also help reduce the growth and size of fibroids.
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What size fibroids need surgery?

Most experts believe that about 9-10 centimeters (about 4 inches) diameter is the largest size fibroid that should be removed laparoscopically.
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How can you tell if a fibroid is cancerous?

Pathologists look at fibroids under a microscope and count the dividing cells, called mitotic figures. When they see at least ten mitotic figures under a high-power lens, the fibroid is said to be a cancer. If a cancer is hiding in your fibroid, the ramifications can be catastrophic.
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Can fibroids be cured without surgery?

Certain procedures can destroy uterine fibroids without actually removing them through surgery. They include: Uterine artery embolization. Small particles (embolic agents) are injected into the arteries supplying the uterus, cutting off blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink and die.
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Is a fibroid a tumor?

Fibroids are tumors made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. They develop in the uterus. It is estimated that 70 to 80 percent of women will develop fibroids in their lifetime — however, not everyone will develop symptoms or require treatment.
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When do you need a hysterectomy for fibroids?

A hysterectomy may be recommended if you have large fibroids or severe bleeding and you do not want to have any more children.
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What to avoid if you have fibroids?

What foods to avoid when you have fibroid tumors includes:
  • Red meat.
  • High-fat, processed meats.
  • Any highly processed foods.
  • Added sugar of all types.
  • Salt.
  • High sodium foods.
  • Soda and other sugary drinks.
  • Excess calories.
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Can you ignore fibroids?

Fibroids are pretty common — between 20-70 percent of women will develop fibroids during their reproductive years. And they're almost always (99 percent of the time) harmless. But that doesn't mean you should ignore them. Fibroids can cause complications like excessive bleeding and reproductive problems.
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What color is fibroids discharge?

It may be red, pinkish, or brown. This can last for a few days or a few weeks. Fibroid tissue discharge is unusual after undergoing minimally invasive fibroid treatment, but it can happen. Even if it does, it doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem.
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Will my stomach go down after fibroid removal?

If you have experienced weight gain due to uterine fibroids, you may be wondering if fibroid treatment can help you lose those unwanted pounds. Although there are never any guarantees, it is possible that weight loss can occur after Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).
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Will I lose weight after fibroid removal?

If you have fibroids, you are most likely carrying extra weight. Eliminating the fibroids or shrinking them with UFE can often lead to weight loss.
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Do fibroids make you tired?

Fatigue is especially easy to miss as a symptom of fibroids because it's not caused by overwork or a lack of sufficient sleep at night, but is mainly due to the loss of blood from heavy periods. This blood loss leads to anemia and an iron deficiency from the lack of red blood cells.
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Who is most at risk for fibroids?

Fibroids become more common as women age, especially during the 30s and 40s through menopause. After menopause, fibroids usually shrink. Family history. Having a family member with fibroids increases your risk.
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