Overview
Did you know not all tissue overgrowth is cancerous? Yes, and uterine fibroids are an example of that. Interestingly, these overgrowths are harmless and show up due to reasons that need to be studied and understood. Even if they are harmless, they can still affect daily life. Therefore, recognising them early can help you make a prompt decision. This article brings you the complete understanding of uterine fibroids, their causes, risk factors, and complications.
Understanding Uterine Fibroids:
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop within or on the muscular walls of the uterus. Made of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue, they can be as small as a seed or as large as a mass that distorts the shape of the uterus. Although harmless in most cases, fibroids can still cause a variety of symptoms depending on their size and location.
Many women may not realise they have fibroids until they experience signs such as heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pressure, bloating, painful intercourse, frequent urination, or difficulty conceiving. These symptoms occur because fibroids can interfere with normal uterine function and surrounding organs.
Major Causes of Uterine Fibroids:
Uterine fibroids are generally caused by several different biological factors, some of which may include:
1. Gene Changes:
- For many, uterine fibroids are a result of gene alteration, either by birth or by mutations.
- That is, some DNA changes cause a change in the behaviour of muscle cells of the uterus from normal cells.
- This DNA change causes mutated cells to multiply rapidly, ultimately resulting in the accumulation of cells in the uterine wall.
- Interestingly, women with a family history of uterine fibroids have higher chances of getting these mutations and eventually developing fibroids.
2. Hormonal Influence (Estrogen & Progesterone):
- Uterine fibroids are basically the result of hormonal imbalance, especially the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone.
- Fibroids have a higher concentration of these two hormone receptors, which makes them respond and grow better in the presence of estrogen and progesterone.
- This is why fibroids are more common during reproductive years, as during this phase the levels of these hormones remain at peak.
- Consequently, after menopause, when estrogen and progesterone levels naturally drop, fibroids often shrink or stop growing altogether.
3. Other Growth Factors
- Growth-regulating substances also influence fibroids in the body. These are the Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and other signalling molecules that play a role in the maintenance and development of cells. Therefore, when these factors are present in higher levels, they can stimulate fibroid cells to divide faster.
4. Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
- The extracellular matrix is the structural network that helps tissues stay firm and supported. In fibroids, ECM is produced in excess, making the growths unusually dense and fibrous. This accumulation not only gives fibroids their trademark texture but also stores growth factors within the tissue, ultimately promoting fibroid expansion.
Can Uterine Fibroids Cause Other Health Issues?
Long story short, yes, uterine fibroids can be the reason for several different health problems, which largely depend on their size, number, and location within the uterus. Interestingly, many women experience almost no symptoms when present in small size and numbers. However, not all women are that lucky and experience certain health complications, such as:
1. Back Pain:
Back pain is the most common problem women experience when the fibroids are large or are placed in a certain place. This is due to the constant pressure and press against the pelvic nerves, muscles, and sometimes the lower spine. Therefore, the larger the fibroids, the greater the pressure on nerves and muscles.
2. Irregular Periods:
The eventual hormonal imbalance and alteration of the uterus’s shape cause irregular periods. Periods and the menstrual cycle largely depend on the shape and hormonal balance of the body; disruptions can make periods irregular, longer, or even unpredictable. That is, some women with fibroids complain of spotting in between cycles or cycles that are too early.
3. Heavy Bleeding:
Apart from irregular periods, uterine fibroids can cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. This is because the widening of the surface area of the uterus eventually interferes with the normal muscle contractions and causes heavy bleeding.
Risk Factors That Contribute to Uterine Fibroids:
Although any woman of reproductive age can be affected by uterine fibroids, some have a higher chance than others. These chances are built based on different biological and external factors, such as:
- Women with fibroids running in the family line have higher chances of developing them, because genetics is the leading factor in how the uterine muscle behaves.
- As fibroids are strongly influenced by hormones, greater exposure to them with early onset of menstruation can increase the risk of developing fibroids.
- Vitamin D is the factor how cells divide and grow, and any deficiency in this can increase the risk of fibroids as well.
- Higher weight than standard BMI and secondary lifestyle habits like high stress and high intake of junk food can also contribute to fibroids.
- Long-term high blood pressure causes excessive blood flow to the uterus, providing fibroids with ample blood to grow and thrive.
Complications of Uterine Fibroids:
Fibroids can be non-cancerous, but that does not make them completely safe. That is, uterine fibroids are the reason for many health complications related to reproductive health and overall quality of life. These complications may include:
- Infertility due to the blocking of the fallopian tubes and the changed shape of the uterus.
- Pregnancy complications, like breech, preterm labour, miscarriage, etc.
- Anaemia due to heavy bleeding.
- Long-term pelvic pain due to pelvic pressure.
Conclusion
Finally, it can be concluded that the causes of uterine fibroids can be many, including the mix of genetics, hormonal imbalance, growth, etc. Being a non-cancerous condition, it does not cause any critical condition, but it can surely make everyday life a challenge. This is why understanding their causes and differentiating them from other uterine issues is critical to seek timely medical help and effective care.
Common Questions Asked
What Makes Uterine Fibroids Grow?
Uterine fibroids develop in response to hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone, that stimulate abnormal cell proliferation.
Do Uterine Fibroids Cause Back Pain?
Yes, because large uterine fibroids can put pressure on either the lower back or pelvic nerves, where nerves pass through the pelvis, which can cause low-back or leg pain.
Do Uterine Fibroids Lead to Irregular Periods and Long Cycles?
The fibroids can create irregularity in the cycle, such as longer cycle lengths.
Do All Uterine Fibroids Bleeding Cause Bleeding?
All uterine fibroids will cause bleeding for all women; however, some women will have heavy bleeding with severe cramping from uterine fibroids, while some will have no bleeding symptoms from their Leiomyomas.
Is There a Connection Between Pregnancy and Uterine Fibroids?
Pregnancy is not a cause of uterine fibroids. Instead, during pregnancy, hormone levels increase in the body, leading to an accelerated growth rate of uterine fibroids.