Tag: Fibroids

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Fibroids

Fibroids and Alcohol Use

It probably isn’t a surprise to learn that in the United States, alcohol use is the third preventable cause of death. In fact, the list of negative effects associated with consuming excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages is long and seems to be getting longer. Overconsumption of alcohol has been associated with addiction, high blood pressure, liver disease, heart disease, various forms of cancer, stroke, hepatitis, and more. But what effect, does it have specifically, on women with uterine fibroids?

In 2020, a study published in Current Molecular Medicine found that alcohol consumption can alter hormones levels in the female body. This study and others like it found that this alteration in the hormone levels caused by drinking alcoholic beverages increases the risk of uterine fibroids. The most likely reason being that it specifically raises the level of estrone and estradiol.

Though the exact cause of fibroids is unknown, there is evidence to suggest that when higher levels of estrogen are introduced to the reproductive system, a woman is more likely to develop fibroids. Furthermore, for those of us already living with uterine fibroids, the effect of alcohol is not good. Alcohol consumption can lead to increased inflammation and dehydration, both of which may result in increased fibroid pain. This can also result in bloating, constipation, and anemia in women with fibroids. The bottom line, limiting the amount of alcohol consumed is beneficial for all of us. Alcohol use is the third most preventable cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of many health issues from cancer to heart disease. And, when it comes to women with fibroids or a family history of fibroids, they may wish to avoid it altogether. Though more studies need to be done to conclude that alcohol has a definite impact on the development of fibroids, one thing can be said for sure- For women living with uterine fibroids, drinking alcohol will not make anything better. Not only can it increase the severity of fibroid symptoms, but it can also increase the duration of them.

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Fibroids

Genetic Component of Uterine Fibroids

For many women diagnosed with fibroids- especially those that struggle with large or painful fibroids, the cause of these growths is often one of the first questions that come to mind. In some cases, women will report that their mother also had fibroids, and wonder if there is a genetic component.

So is there? Are fibroids hereditary?

According to a study published in The American Journal of Human Genetics, the answer is yes. In the study, researchers analyzed the genetic data collected from over 7,000 women and detected genetic variants that are significantly associated with uterine fibroids. One of the genes they found encodes a protein called Fatty Acid Synthase, or FAS. Upon further analysis, researchers discovered that this FAS protein was three times higher in uterine fibroid samples when compared to normal uterine tissue. They found that an over-expression of the FAS protein can also be found in other types of tumors, and is believed to be an important protein for tumor cell survival.

So what does that all mean? If my mother has higher FAS levels, does that mean you will too? Maybe, but not necessarily.

The genetic component may mean that you are more susceptible to developing fibroids. In fact, if your mother had fibroids, evidence has shown that you are three times more likely to develop fibroids, than someone that doesn’t have them in their family.

Though the research on the genetic connection is sound, it doesn’t necessarily mean that mothers with fibroids always have daughters with fibroids. That is not the case. One reason is that hormone levels are just as relevant to fibroid development as genetics.

Researchers are continuing to study the causes of fibroid tumors, however, even with the discovery of a potential genetic component, little scientific evidence is available on how to prevent them. What we do know is that by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight and following a healthy diet- you may be able to decrease your fibroid risk, and lessen the severity of fibroid growth.

If you’d like to take a deeper look at the study referenced in this article, you can check it out at: https://www.cell.com/ajhg/fulltext/S0002-9297(12)00421-1

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Fibroids

Diagnosed with fibroids?

It is estimated that around 26 million women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 50 have uterine fibroids.

It is estimated that around 26 million women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 50 have uterine fibroids. And of these 26 million, roughly half will experience associated symptoms and health concerns. Fortunately for all, fibroids are treatable.

So what exactly is a fibroid?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during a woman’s childbearing years. These growths are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. Sometimes fibroids are solitary, but it is also common to have multiple ones.

Uterine fibroids range in size. Some are so tiny that they are undetectable by the human eye alone. While others can be large enough to distort and enlarge the uterus.

How can I tell if I have a fibroid?

When a woman has a fibroid, it is most often discovered during a routine pelvic exam or imaging procedures performed for other reasons. If the fibroid or fibroids do not cause any symptoms, pain, or discomfort, and are not affecting fertility- then they usually do not require treatment. However, when symptoms are present, these can be managed with medications, surgery, and by using minimally invasive techniques.

Some of the symptoms associated with fibroids are: • Unusually heavy period • Long than normal periods • Bleeding in between periods • Pressure and pain in the pelvis • Frequent urination • Lower back pain • Pain during intercourse • Difficulty conceiving

Though some women may need to have the fibroids surgically removed, more often than not, they can be eliminated using a technique known as Uterine Fibroid Embolization. This non-invasive process treats the fibroids by inserting a small catheter into the wrist, then by using x-ray technology, the catheter is guided into the blood vessels supplying the fibroids. Small gelatin beads are then released into the blood vessels, creating a blockage.

A blockage? Isn’t that dangerous?

No, in this case, it is not. Unlike a blockage to the heart or other vital organs, this particular blockage is only cutting off the blood supply to the fibroid. The results are remarkable, for, without the fibroids being able to receive vital nutrients through the blood, they can not survive.

Does this sound too good to be true?

It’s not. In fact, according to the New England Journal of Medicine, the success rate of uterine fibroid embolization is up to 95%.

The bottom line is, if you are diagnosed with having fibroids, it’s ok, and you are going to be just fine. You are not alone, and treatment is readily available. No one deserves to live with the physical discomfort associated with fibroids, so please do not hesitate to take action, and set up your appointment today.

For more information about fibroid diagnosis and treatment, or to schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to call us at MidAtlantic Fibroid Care, at 301-622-5360.