Uterine fibroids are also called myomas. These are growths outside or inside a woman’s uterus. Though considered non-cancerous, these growths are still a source of pain and discomfort.
But, the link between depression, emotional state, and the myomas are not clear.
Is depression the cause or effect of fibroids?
An adverse life event can be a psychological and emotional stressor. This affects the physical and mental health of a woman. This kind of stress may be rooted from drastic changes in a woman’s life. It is a risk factor that leads to abnormal growth of diseases in the body, like the uterine fibrosis. The risk is higher when a woman’s coping mechanism is poor.
Imagine a woman trying to cope with the discomforts of fibroids. The pain caused by fibroids could last a few days or longer, leaving a woman drained physically.
The role of depression and stress to fibroids explained
Growth of fibroids has been associated with exposure to psychosocial stressors, psychological disorders, and major life events. Depression can damage the regulation of the body’s HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, which, in turn, affects a woman’s reproductive system.
Using antidepressant only increases the risk of the development of fibroids.
Stress caused by major life events continue to be the subject of further studies. This kind of stress may lead to the development of myoma. Fibroids can also result from fluctuations in the estrogen and progesterone hormone levels caused by the release of stress hormones.
The development of fibroids is high among women in the reproductive age and the effects can be debilitating:
- Decline in the quality of life
- Fertility problems
- Adverse effects on work and social activities due to pain and bleeding
- Mental distress associated with the management of the condition’s symptoms
How to prevent fibroids
To date, little is still known on how to prevent fibroids. Researches continue to find the most appropriate and effective cure for myomas.
There are ongoing studies that found significant indicators that could help in fibroid prevention, these are:
- Regular exercise – This helps regulate the hormones and prevent the growth of fibroids.
- Weight management – Studies show that the incidence of fibroids is more likely to increase by 10% to 20% among women who are overweight.
- Manage your diet – Eating red meat increases the risk of fibroid growth. Eat fresh, green vegetables instead. Take note that eating food rich in Vitamin D reduces the risk factor by 30%. It can also shrink the size of the fibroid.
- Consult with your doctor for treatment options – Not all cases of myoma will need surgery. Discuss your options with your doctor. Other factors that will be considered are age, the desire to become pregnant in the future, and how severe the fibroid is. Aside from surgically removing the growths, there are other treatments that can be used.
Psychological depression and stressful life events lead to the development and growth of uterine fibroids. Pain and discomfort are common for patients diagnosed with the condition. Knowing that depression and stress can be causes of the condition can help you take measures to prevent the disease from developing.
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