Overview
When fibroids degenerate (shrink due to loss of blood supply), towards the end of the degeneration process, they can sometimes calcify around the edges.
Sometimes fibroid degeneration can cause the fibroids to completely calcify and harden. These calcified fibroids can require medical treatment for removal and relief of symptoms. The clinical team of Viva Eve calcified fibroid specialists will help you determine the best treatment option for your calcified fibroids.
Symptoms of Calcified Fibroids
Some of the below symptoms may be a sign of fibroid degeneration or calcified fibroids. The location of the hardened fibroid can often apply stress to different surrounding organs, which can cause issues specific to those areas and would require degenerating fibroid treatments to manage symptoms.
Fertility
- If fibroids obstruct the vagina they could affect the woman’s ability to conceive.. They can also cause miscarriages, inhibit fetal growth, or cause other pregnancy complications. NYC fibroid experts that are part of the Viva Eve team will help you navigate all the issues related to your fertility.
Diarrhea or Constipation
- Calcified fibroids can cause diarrhea or constipation if they grow on the back uterine wall and apply too much pressure on the digestive system.
Bladder Control
- If you’ve noticed a loss of bladder control or need to urinate more frequently, it is possible that calcified fibroids are located in the front part of your uterus.
Cramping, Pain, Bloating
- While fibroids at any stage can cause cramping, hardened fibroids in your uterine wall can cause pain or severe cramping. There may also be noticeable bloating depending on the size of the hardened fibroid.
Heavier Periods
- If you haven’t gone through menopause, then calcified fibroids or fibroid degeneration can cause heavier flows than your normal cycle or irregular periods.
What causes fibroid calcification
Quickly diminishing blood supply or a complete loss of blood supply (fibroid degeneration) is what causes fibroids to calcify and harden.
- Fibroids are more likely to calcify if they are large before they start degenerating.
- When the blood supply is cut off too quickly it is more likely to calcify during fibroid degeneration.
- If you are postmenopausal you are more likely to have degenerating fibroids calcify because you produce less estrogen.
Treatment options for calcified fibroids
If you have been diagnosed with fibroids, the earlier you consult with NYC fibroid experts at Viva Eve, the better. You should definitely seek treatment before your uterine fibroids have a chance to harden and calcify. If you come to see us after your fibroids have calcified we have a few options for you.
Over-the-counter or hormonal treatment
If the fibroid has fully reached the end of its lifecycle and is not causing issues with fertility then it might be reasonable to just treat the symptoms through over the counter medicine or hormonal treatment like birth control pills to regulate your hormones. This is an option you and your doctor can discuss together.
Hysterectomy
A large percentage of hysterectomies are unnecessary. Of course, Hysterectomies can still be a great option if there has been vaginal prolapse, if the hardened fibroid is too big, or if there are other severe complications. This option is usually recommended if you are past menopause since it involves removing the uterus.
Myomectomy
A myomectomy might work well if the calcified fibroids are retrievable and the uterus has not gone through prolapse. Only the unwanted fibroids are removed while the healthy tissues in the uterus remain. This option is particularly great if you haven’t experienced menopause and want to make plans for your fertility.
