What happens if fibroids are left untreated? Doctors break it down

Uterine fibroids are common non-cancerous growths in women aged 30-50. Experts explain symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options, urging timely medical consultation for better reproductive health.

New Delhi: Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. Health experts note that the condition is commonly seen in women between the ages of 30 and 50, though it can occur earlier or later in life as well.

While fibroids are usually benign, doctors say their impact varies depending on size, number and location within the uterus.

Causes and risk factors

Medical specialists associate uterine fibroids with hormonal activity, particularly estrogen, along with factors such as obesity, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle patterns.

A family history of fibroids is also considered a significant risk factor, though the exact cause remains under study.

Types of uterine fibroids

Doctors classify fibroids into three main categories:

• Intramural fibroids: the most common type, growing within the uterine wall
• Submucosal fibroids: developing inside the uterine cavity and often linked with heavy bleeding
• Subserosal fibroids: growing on the outer surface of the uterus and sometimes causing pressure symptoms

Symptoms women should not ignore

Fibroids may remain asymptomatic in some cases, but when symptoms appear, they can include:

• Heaviness or fullness in the lower abdomen
• Pelvic pain or pressure symptoms
• Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) or frequent cycles (polymenorrhea)
• Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
• Fatigue and weakness due to anemia from blood loss
• Fertility-related complications in some women

Doctors also note that fibroids may enlarge during pregnancy due to rising estrogen levels. In contrast, they often stabilize or shrink after menopause. However, a sudden increase in size after menopause may require further investigation to rule out rare complications.

Diagnosis of uterine fibroids

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical examination and imaging techniques. These include pelvic (bimanual) examination, ultrasound scans (transabdominal and transvaginal), hysteroscopy, MRI, and in some cases CT scans.

Treatment approaches

Treatment depends on the patient’s age, symptom severity, and fibroid size. Medical management includes pain relief medications, hemostatic drugs, and hormonal therapies such as combined oral contraceptives (COCs), progestogens, LNG-IUCD, and GnRH analogues that help suppress estrogen activity.

For patients requiring procedural intervention, options include uterine artery embolisation, minimally invasive techniques, and surgical procedures like myomectomy or hysterectomy.

Medical advice and awareness

Experts emphasize that women experiencing abnormal bleeding, persistent pelvic pain, or unusual menstrual changes should seek medical consultation without delay. Early diagnosis plays a key role in preventing complications and improving quality of life.