Why Are My Uterine Fibroids Growing

Fibroids are benign tumors that grow inside or outside of the uterus. While fibroids are not always harmful, in some cases, they can cause problems like heavy menstrual bleeding or pain. Patients who have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids should learn why growth happens and what they can do in terms of treatment options, like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

The specialists at American Fibroid Centers offer advanced care for women with uterine fibroids. We believe in building one-on-one relationships with patients, and our expert team will recommend the right treatment to fit each person’s specific situation during a consultation in one of our outpatient centers located in New York or New Jersey.

How do uterine fibroids form?

The exact cause of fibroids is not always known, but there are several factors that can put patients at risk. African American and Hispanic women are at higher risk, and women who have a family history of fibroids are more likely to develop them.

Some health conditions can also lead to the development of fibroids. This includes women with a BMI of 20% over their recommended body weight, high blood pressure, or who consume an excess amount of alcohol.

What causes fibroids to grow?

Small fibroids normally do not cause much discomfort or pain. Many women don’t realize they have fibroids until they begin to grow. Larger fibroids may expand and put pressure on the structures around them, causing discomfort or pain. Other symptoms include heavy periods and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Clinical research has revealed that fibroids tend to grow in connection with hormone changes. High hormone levels, for example, cause fibroids to increase in size. This can happen during events like pregnancy. Fibroids tend to decrease in size when hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, are at their lowest. A common example is a woman reaching menopause.

Can patients prevent fibroid growth?

There are no guaranteed ways to prevent uterine fibroids or help them shrink on their own. However, there are ways to lower their risk of development and growth. Many physicians recommend healthy lifestyle changes for women with concerns about fibroids. Staying within a healthy BMI range through a consistent diet and exercise regimen is highly recommended. Patients should also avoid drinking alcohol in excess and let their doctor know if they experience concerning side effects, like pain or heavy periods.

What are the options for uterine fibroid treatment?

Specialists may recommend monitoring patients to make sure their fibroids don’t grow quickly or cause pain and discomfort. However, many women choose to undergo minimally invasive procedures called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) at American Fibroid Centers locations in New York or New Jersey. This procedure is designed to block off the normal blood flow to a fibroid, causing it to shrink over time.

Stop fibroid growth

Symptoms like heavy periods may be a strong indicator of uterine fibroids. Patients near Queens, Fishkill, Harlem, or Brooklyn, NY, or West Orange, NJ who have questions about fibroids or treatments, like uterine fibroid embolization, are encouraged to contact the team at American Fibroid Centers for a consultation. Our physicians can provide a thorough consultation at our state-of-the-art facilities located in New York and New Jersey.