Why Do Uterine Fibroids Cause the Uterus to Enlarge

Fibroids are benign tumors that grow within the uterus. They can grow on the inside and on the outside of the uterus. They are benign masses that, once they start growing, can make the uterus appear very large. Some fibroids can grow to massive dimensions and cause the woman to feel a mass, heaviness, or a hard feeling in the mid portion of the pelvis, which is really just a large fibroid. Some of the factors that predispose to fibroids include age and race. Most patients become symptomatic in their 30s or 40s. As you get older, you’re more likely to get symptoms from fibroids. Certain race groups are more prone to developing fibroids. About 80% of African-American women will eventually develop fibroids, which also tend to grow more quickly and have more bleeding symptoms compared to other racial groups. Fibroids are hormonally responsive, meaning that if you’re taking hormone replacements or if you have higher levels of estrogen and progesterone in your blood, then you’re more likely to develop fibroids. Since the levels of these hormones tend to decrease with menopause, the fibroids tend to regress at that time. Some studies have shown that family history is very important. If your mother or your grandmother had fibroids, you’re much more likely to develop fibroids over time. There have also been some studies that indicate your diet can affect fibroids. One study showed that if you have a high sugar diet, you’re more likely to develop fibroids, and then conversely if you eat a primarily plant-based or vegetarian diet, you’re less likely to develop fibroids. These are small studies, but they’re showing that if you eat a lot of meat, that tends to predispose you to the development of fibroids. Learn more at https://fibroidexpert.com/