Is it Normal to have Uterine Fibroids? Reproductive Facts Women in Their 30s Should Know
All women, regardless of race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, are likely to get uterine fibroids in their lifetime. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Women’s Services, up to 80% of women develop fibroids. Note, however, that not all women will experience symptoms.
Is it Normal to have Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, or in medical terms “leiomyomas”, are growths or tumors that develop in a woman’s uterus. It may seem scary but it is a benign or non-cancerous type of tumor. It isn’t a cause of concern unless its symptoms include pain and discomfort. Truth be told, most doctors would recommend just leaving it alone and monitoring it with regular check-ups.
Women at the peak of their reproductive age are most likely to develop fibroids. This is around 30 years old up to menopause. The age of menopause may be any time from 45 years old onwards.
It is believed that the fibroids appear at the height of the women’s production of the hormone estrogen. That’s why after menopausal age, fibroids start to shrink as the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body also start to diminish.
In case you’re wondering, here are the symptoms associated with uterine fibroids:
- Abnormal or excessive bleeding
- Irregular periods
- Heavy or lengthy periods
- Feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
- Frequent urination
- Constipation or irregular bowels
- Anemia
- Pelvic or abdominal pain (along with pre-menstrual syndrome)
- Lower back pain
Uterine Leiomyomas: a Common Diagnosis?
Abnormal and excessive bleeding during menstrual period or outside the menstrual cycle is what usually prompts a woman to visit a doctor. Women in their 30s who also aim to have a baby but have fertility issues will be prompted to visit an OB. More often, it’s during these visits that uterine fibroids are discovered.
Leiomyomas or simply myoma, is a common diagnosis in women. Some may be more at risk of having fibroids though, and the risk factors include:
- Age (elderly women are more likely to develop it)
- Obesity
- Medical history of uterine fibroids
- Haven’t had a child
- Vitamin D deficiency
Some might point out that taking birth control pills is another risk factor. Well, the truth isn’t that simple. Long-term use of low-dose oral contraceptives may actually lessen fibroid-related symptoms and even end up shrinking the growths. These drugs help balance estrogen and progesterone hormones.
However, it is advised to have the contraceptive prescribed by a doctor instead of simply buying it over-the-counter. There are different types of oral contraceptives on the market. And as you can imagine, the ones loaded with estrogen can only worsen the problem, to the point of causing further fibroid growth.
Safe Pregnancy, Complicated Childbirth
Having fibroids does not pose any health risks, especially for women who want to have a baby. Uterine fibroids do not cause any health issues during pregnancy and won’t affect the developing fetus. The only downside of having fibroids is the discomfort it brings. Large fibroids can interfere with giving birth, however, with doctors usually resorting to a C-section delivery.
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