Though fibroids are a common occurrence among women – affecting as many as 75% in their lifetime – an aura of mystery still clouds them, especially when it comes to fibroid symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

What Exactly is a Fibroid?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus. These benign tumors develop from normal uterine muscle cells that start growing abnormally into mostly benign masses or tumors. They can vary in size, ranging from microscopic to several inches in length. A woman may have one or several types of fibroids. It is common for a woman to have multiple fibroid tumors and sometimes it may be difficult to understand which one is causing the symptoms.

What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Fibroids?

Many women never realize they have fibroids, as the fibroids can often be asymptomatic. These women are advised to continue monitoring their fibroids and to see their doctor regularly. At the same time, a significant portion of women with fibroids suffer from severe symptoms, including heavy bleedingpainful menstrual crampsanemiapainful sexweight gain, etc.

What Causes Fibroids to Develop?

The development of fibroids is commonly blamed on estrogen. These tumors can develop due to other reasons, but hormone imbalance is considered to be one of the key triggers.

Fibroids are believed to be a hormone-related disease. Your diet might have an effect on your tendency to develop fibroids. Fat is linked to elevated estrogen production. Increased estrogen levels can trigger uterine fibroid growth. Overweight women are at a higher risk of developing fibroids, with chances increasing two to three times in obese women. That’s why physicians recommend that women at risk of developing fibroids should do daily aerobic and strength training exercises to reduce stomach fat.

A clinical study found that women who are physically active and athletic are less prone to having uterine fibroids as compared to less active women. Moderate exercise helps keep off the extra pounds, tones stomach muscles and shrinks the waistline. It also decreases fatty deposits, improves the cardiovascular system, lowers cholesterol and reduces high blood pressure.

What Can Patients Do to Help Their Fibroid Symptoms?

If you do have fibroids, there are a few specific low impact exercises that can help with pain and discomfort a lot of women with fibroids experience before and during their periods. There are many women who suffer from menstrual cramps that swear that their fibroid pain can be relieved through yoga poses that open up the stomach. Over-the counter medications like Ibuprofen and Tylenol can help with painful cramps, along with hot or cold packs. Trying to reduce stress, rest and relax more while you are on your period can also help you cope better with some of the unpleasant fibroid symptoms.

How Can Viva Eve Help?

Fibroid Specialists in NYC that are part of Viva Eve’s integrated specialty practice have years of experience in the treating both uterine fibroids and adenomyosis through hormone treatments, minimally invasive procedures, like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), or, If needed, surgical procedures that use the latest most advanced techniques.

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