Can Uterine Fibroids Be Treated From Home

What are the Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are the most common type of tumor within the reproductive tract, affecting women during their childbearing years. Despite the prevalence of these non-cancerous tumors, only about half of women believe they are at risk of uterine fibroids. Because fibroid symptoms can be similar to those of other female health conditions, it’s important to understand the risk factors, especially if you are of African-American descent or have a family history of fibroids.

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Common Uterine Fibroid Risk Factors

There are several known risk factors for developing uterine fibroids, aside from being a woman of reproductive age. If you think you may be at risk, it’s important to schedule a consultation with an affiliated physician at American Fibroid Centers to get the proper diagnosis and treatment for your condition.

Age

Although fibroids may occur at any age, fibroids become more common as women grow older. Women frequently present symptoms in their late 30s or early 40s up until menopause. After menopause, uterine fibroids are much less likely to develop and usually shrink if they are present.

Race

African American women are three times more likely to develop uterine fibroids than women of any other race. In addition, young African American women between the ages of 29 and 39 are much more likely to experience severe fibroid symptoms. Evidence suggests that genetics and low Vitamin D levels might play a significant role.

Family History

Uterine fibroids tend to run in the family, and a maternal history of uterine fibroids may be the biggest risk factor. If your mother, sister, or grandmother was diagnosed with this condition, you may be more likely to develop it as well. If your mother has a history of uterine fibroids, your risk of developing fibroids is three times higher than average.

Obesity

Having a high Body Mass Index (BMI), or being 20% over your recommended body weight, can lead to the development of uterine fibroids. Fat cells produce estrogen, so overweight women have higher levels of the hormone circulating through their bodies. When estrogen and progesterone levels are high, fibroids typically increase in size.

Early Onset of Menstruation

Fibroids are more common in women who begin to menstruate at an early age. Most girls start their first period (menarche) around 12 or 13 years old. Studies indicate that early menstrual periods are linked to higher rates of fibroids, obesity, and diabetes. Early menarche was also found to be more common in African American women.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb and metabolize calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. It also classifies as a hormone due to its effects on the reproductive system. You are considered to have a Vitamin D deficiency if your level is below 30 ng/ml. The average Vitamin D level of women with uterine fibroids is 23.3 ng/ml.

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Who is at High Risk for Developing Uterine Fibroids?

Since uterine fibroids are the most common tumors within the female reproductive system, all women are at risk of developing them. Fibroids affect up to 80% of women by the time they are 50. If you are experiencing any symptoms of uterine fibroids, your OBGYN can determine if you have them during your annual pelvic exam. Certain women are at greater risk of fibroids, including:

  • Women between the ages of 30 and 54
  • African American women
  • Overweight women
  • Women with a family history of fibroids
  • Women who experience early menstrual periods
  • Women with high blood pressure

How to Prevent Fibroids

Although there is no way to prevent uterine fibroids, there are certain lifestyle choices you can make to reduce your risk of developing fibroids. Lifestyle changes are the first step to treating fibroids and relieving symptoms if you think you are at risk. You can do the following to help prevent and reduce the effects of fibroids.

  • Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish
  • Balance your estrogen levels 
  • Exercise, lose weight, and maintain a healthy weight
  • Lower your blood pressure 
  • Get enough Vitamin D 
  • Lower your alcohol consumption

Our Fibroid Specialists

Our board-certified, affiliated fibroid specialists in NY and NJ, are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids. Their goal is to address fibroid pain and related symptoms through Uterine Fibroid Embolization, a minimally invasive-image guided procedure. When you choose to work with us, our team will ensure that you are comfortable and confident in the care you receive from start to finish.

Our Fibroid Centers in NY & NJ

American Fibroid Centers has offices located in New Jersey and New York to provide women with convenient access to exceptional uterine fibroid treatment. Most of our facilities are accredited by the Joint Commission and adhere to the utmost health code standards. Find your nearest location to schedule a visit with one of our affiliated physicians today!

Brooklyn, NY
71, Carroll Street, New York, 11231
(833) 833-3973
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Queens, NY
28-18, 31st Street, New York, 11102
(833) 833-3973
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Fishkill, NY
60, Merritt Boulevard, Fishkill, New York, 12524
(833) 833-3973
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Harlem, NY
505, East 116th Street, New York, New York, 10029
(833) 833-3973
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West Orange, NJ
347, Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey, 07052
(833) 833-3973
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What Our Patients Are Saying

Learn more about our patients’ experiences at American Fibroid Centers.

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Lt P
Lt P
17:01 21 Jun 23
Very professional and informative
Kieran McDonald
Kieran McDonald
21:48 12 Jun 23
Dr. Abadir and his staff are wonderful.
debdefran
debdefran
21:28 03 May 23
Wonderful staff very kind very thorough no waiting♥️. I’ve never been to a doctors office and treated with so much respect.. I’m looking forward to my next appointment 😇
Denise Sciarra
Denise Sciarra
16:16 17 Mar 23
The staff could not have been friendlier! I was treated so well and my procedure was a huge success!
Darcy Sala
Darcy Sala
14:44 28 Feb 23
Very friendly and hard working people. Excellent doctor and team!!!Thanks for being so helpful and encouraging!
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finda jackson
13:37 03 Feb 23
Great experience very through staff are extremely helpful and friendly no wait time I highly recommend.
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william cardoza
15:05 12 Sep 22
A doctor who listens, smart and personable, I liked him.
sherry svec
sherry svec
21:38 16 May 22
Went there for the first time didn’t have to fill out paperwork which constantly asked the same question. Nurses were friendly didn’t have to come back a second time to have test done did it rite then, doctor explain everything set up appointment to have procedure done and I’m very confident in the doctor
GARY DINI
GARY DINI
12:23 25 Jan 22
Excellent service. Dr. Abadir and staff were attentive and thoughtful. All communication regarding my visit were clear and concise and they took the time to listen and address all of my questions. Great visit!
dennis bernstein
dennis bernstein
14:50 21 Jan 22
I thank you very much you took good care I feel great I am very happy with you and I will be back .
Maleta Ford
Maleta Ford
14:24 02 Sep 21
Super friendly and communicative. Efficient staff in the office. A unique experience for a doctors office. Dr Abadir was concise and effective in his exam and explanations
William Silsdorf
William Silsdorf
19:56 07 Jun 21
I found the staff Extremely cordial and professional. Dr. Abidir took his time and explained what procedures needed to be doneAnd why he recommended them to establish a diagnosis.Dr. Abidir was reassuring and listened to and answered all of my questions.So far I am very pleased with the endo vascularProgram here.Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
20:39 17 May 21
Pleased with staff and doctor is very compassionate
Jose Quinones
Jose Quinones
23:57 15 Mar 21
Thank you to you and your great staff.Bill Baratta
Rita Baratta
Rita Baratta
15:07 26 Jan 21
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From the Experts

Get to know more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and care of Uterine Fibroids.

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