Fibroids are tumors made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that develop in the uterus. It is estimated that 70 to 80 percent of women will develop fibroids in their lifetime — however, not everyone will develop symptoms or require treatment.

Perimenopause means “around menopause,” and is the time when a woman’s body begins a natural transition to menopause. This marks the end of the reproductive years, and women start this phase at different ages. Signs like irregular menstrual cycles may start in the 40s, but some women notice changes as early as their mid-30s.

A woman with fibroids may find herself concerned how going into Pausy seasons will affect those fibroids.

I want you to know how to approach your Pausy seasons if you have fibroids. The journey isn’t the same for all women.

THERE ARE OTHER FACTORS AT PLAY WHEN IT COMES TO DEVELOPING FIBROIDS, LIKE RACE, GENETICS AND LIFESTYLE:

• Fibroids seem to disproportionately affect the African American population, although researchers understand little about what causes this disparity. Black women have fibroids at younger ages, and they’re also likely to have more or larger fibroids, along with more severe symptoms.
• Heredity has an impact too, because if your mother or sister had fibroids, you’re at increased risk of developing them.
• Lifestyle factors like obesity can lead to propensity for fibroids, as can having a diet higher in red meat and lower in green vegetables, fruit and dairy. One study found that vegetable and fruit intakes and occupational intensity played positive effects on uterine fibroids.

Cancerous fibroids are very rare. Because of this fact, it’s reasonable for women without symptoms to opt for observation rather than treatment.

Studies show that fibroids grow at different rates, even when a woman has more than one. They can range from the size of a pea to (occasionally) the size of a watermelon.

TYPES OF FIBROIDS

Now that you know what a fibroid is, it’s time to discuss types of fibroids. Along with the size and number of fibroids, the type can also affect treatment recommendations. The three main types of fibroids include:

• Subserosal fibroids: These are the most common fibroids. They can push outside of the uterus into the pelvis. Subserosal fibroids can grow large at times and sometimes have a stalk that attaches to the uterus (pedunculated fibroid).
• Intramural fibroids: These fibroids develop in the muscular wall of the uterus.
• Submucosal fibroids: These fibroids are uncommon. They can grow into the open space inside the uterus and may also include a stalk.

The prevalence of clinically symptomatic uterine fibroids (UFs) peaks in the perimenopausal years and declines following menopause. A large cohort study of California teachers found that among 1,790 women, over 30% of newly diagnosed UFs were between the ages of 45–49 years.

There are many options to help reduce fibroids and alleviate the pain. Consequently, the general approach when women are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms is to wait for menopause, but this is not always the answer for all women. We must remember that women are different and will have a different fibroid experience when entering the Pauses.

If symptoms affected the quality of life in this stage, hysterectomy was once the treatment of choice. Today, however, we know there are many other options both medical and holistic for women to consider. Long gone are the days of automatically having to resort to hysterectomy. However; if this is your choice it is to be respected.

Doctors have found that fibroids are dependent on the ovarian hormones of estrogen and progesterone. Fibroids have more estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors than normal tissue. Recent findings also show that estrogen increases the expression of progesterone receptors and their sensitivity to tissue like fibroids.

Since abnormal uterine bleeding accounts for more than 70% of all gynecological consultations in perimenopause and post-menopause, and that there are a multitude of conditions that may cause this bleeding, it’s important that a thorough evaluation and diagnosis is carried out on women with this symptom. Then a treatment plan can be determined in conjunction with the patient. 

There are various treatments worth discussing with your Physicians and Holistic Practitioners:

Physicians-

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical treatment that uses x-ray technology to deliver an embolic agent to the arteries that supply blood to the uterus. This blocks the blood flow to the fibroids and eventually causes them to shrink. UFE is done as an outpatient procedure, does not require a long recovery, and allows for fertility preservation.

Hormone Therapy (HT) can be a consideration with strong advisory.

Other Options-

Address and reduce inflammatory markers. Pain is a key sign that inflammation is present. Dietary changes are needed. One of the most inflammatory foods is sugar.

Look at key blood-building nutrients such as iron, vitamin C, vitamin B12

These options are not exhaustive. Consult your Practitioner for a plan that is specifically designed for you and your needs.

Be patient. Do your research and ask questions when you consult with your team. As we mature we want to experience the joy of ease and relief. This is still possible. Have hope!

Be Well and Be Whole.