Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in or around your uterus. While many fibroids don’t cause symptoms, others can lead to heavy periods, pelvic pain, or pressure.
Knowing your risk factors can help you catch them early or allow you to take steps to reduce your risk.
Take a moment as the Fresno Fibroid Center team shares four risk factors for uterine fibroids.
Fibroids are most common during your reproductive years, especially between the ages of 30 and 50. The most symptomatic and problematic fibroids tend to peak during your perimenopause years. About 30% of newly diagnosed women are between the ages of 45 and 49.
While they can appear at any age, your chances increase as you get older until menopause when fibroids usually shrink on their own.
If your mother, sister, or another close relative has had fibroids, your risk is higher. Genetics — specifically disruptions of HMGIC and HMGIY genes — can play a strong role, so it’s worth talking to Drs. Pruett, Tower, Balfour, or Ng if fibroids run in your family — even if you’re not currently experiencing symptoms.
Estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle, can fuel fibroid growth. That’s why fibroids tend to grow faster during pregnancy (when hormone levels are higher) and shrink after menopause.
Conditions that affect hormone balance, like obesity, stress, and vitamin D deficiency, may also increase your risk.
Being overweight or obese can raise your risk of fibroids, and your diet is part of that equation. When you don’t eat enough fruit and green vegetables, you’re at a higher risk of developing uterine fibroids. In addition, if you eat food contaminated with pollutants, your risk of uterine myoma increases.
Red meat, processed meat, alcohol, and excess sugar can also increase your risk of fibroid development. Cutting these foods out of your diet doesn’t just impact your reproductive health. Processed meat, for example, is also linked with a 30-40% higher risk of colorectal cancer. So, swapping out processed meat for a lean protein can benefit your health in several ways.
The solution? Give your diet an overhaul. You need a balance of fruit and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Buy organic produce when possible, and always wash your fruits and veggies to remove any potential pollutants.
While as many as 80% of women develop a uterine fibroid at some point, not all fibroids are symptomatic. While you can’t do much about the risk factors beyond your control, you can focus on a healthy diet and, if needed, weight management.
That being said, if you have symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or painful periods — and you have one or more of these risk factors — it’s a good idea to come in and see us at Fresno Fibroid Center for an evaluation.
Our team offers advanced diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments, including uterine fibroid embolization.
To learn more about uterine fibroids, schedule a consultation with our team or give us a ring at (559) 436-4737.
