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What Are the Signs of Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that can develop in women of childbearing years. Their cause is unknown, but factors include genetics and hormone levels. Symptoms vary depending on the individual.

  1. Symptoms

    • In some women, fibroids may be asymptomatic, meaning they cause no ill effects. For others, symptoms may include cramping, heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, back pain and abdomen enlargement.

    Effects

    • Heavy bleeding brought on by fibroids may lead to anemia. In addition, depending on their size and location, fibroids in the uterus may lead to infertility, miscarriage or complications with pregnancy. Uterine fibroids rarely become cancerous, nor do they increase a woman's risk of developing cancer.

    Diagnosis and Treatment Options

    • The physician performs a pelvic exam to determine the size of the fibroids and schedules further tests, such as an ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-ray. Treatment options include medication, myomectomy (surgical removal of the fibroids only) or hysterectomy. If the fibroids are asymptomatic, treatment may not be necessary, as fibroids generally shrink after menopause when hormone levels drop.

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