Uterine Fibroids

Dr. Deepali Shete – IVF specialist in Kalyani Nagar, Pune

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. While many women experience no noticeable issues, others find that clinical symptoms can alter comfort levels, cycle regularity, and overall pelvic health.

In women who have symptoms, the most common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding or menstrual periods lasting more than a week.
• Pelvic pressure or pain, along with backache or leg pains.
• Frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, or constipation.

The precise origins of uterine fibroids remain complex, but clinical research points to several clear contributing causes:

• Genetic changes: Many fibroids contain changes in genes that differ from those in typical uterine muscle cells.
• Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate development of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle in preparation for pregnancy, appear to promote the growth of fibroids. Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than typical uterine muscle cells do. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause due to a decrease in hormone production.
• Other growth factors: Substances that help the body maintain tissues, such as insulin-like growth factor, may affect fibroid growth.