Fibroids Causes

The causes of fibroids are elusive at this time, but certain risk factors have been identified. No matter the cause, however, the growths that occur on the uterus can make life unbearable and even interfere with conception. Most of the known fibroid causes, like family history and ethnicity, are unavoidable, so if you have those risk factors, you need to visit a top fibroid doctor in Brooklyn, New York and Bronx, New York at the Astra Fibroid Treatment Specialists. Founder Dr. George Bolotin diagnoses and treats all manner of fibroids and guides you in steps to prevent more, such as losing weight or cutting down on your meat consumption. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen, call today for a quick, painless diagnosis.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous muscular growths in or on the uterus. In some women, they present no symptoms, but in others, they cause life-altering symptoms. Up to 80 percent of women have fibroids by age 50, although many never know it because of a lack of symptoms.

Regular doctor checkups help determine your risk of developing fibroids, as well as the best fibroid treatments for your unique situation. There are five main fibroid types, including:

• Intramural fibroids. These fibroids grow within the muscular wall of your uterus.
• Subserosal fibroids. Subserosal fibroids form on the outside of your uterus, also known as the serosa.
• Pedunculated fibroids. Subserosal tumors that develop a slender base, like a stalk supporting the tumor are called pedunculated fibroids.
• Submucosal fibroids. These fibroid tumors develop in the myometrium or middle muscle layer of the uterus, but they aren’t common.
• Cancerous fibroid tumors. These rare malignant fibroids aren’t related to previously existing fibroids.

Any growth in or on your uterus can affect the quality of your life by causing pain and discomfort, inhibiting your ability to get pregnant or by threatening your current pregnancy. At the Brooklyn and Bronx-based practice of Astra Fibroid Treatment Specialists, founder Dr. George Bolotin uses the latest medical technology to examine your uterus for fibroids, determine the fibroid causes and identify the best treatment.

What Causes Fibroids?

Doctors haven’t found any definite causes for fibroid growth, but through advanced medical research, they’ve identified a range of factors closely linked to the development of fibroids. Probable causes include:

• Hormones. The levels and balance of estrogen and progesterone stimulate the development of your uterine lining during every menstrual cycle. Variances may promote the growth of fibroids.
• Family history. Genetics seems to play a role. Women from families with a history of fibroids are at a higher risk of developing them.
• Ethnicity. Statistics show that fibroids run higher than average for women of African American descent.
• Pregnancy. The increased production of progesterone, estrogen, and other growth hormones stimulates fibroids’ growth. At this time, your fibroid specialist monitors your condition but may delay treatment.

While there’s no conclusive agreement on the exact causes of fibroids, early diagnosis of the condition improves your chances of successful treatment. Dr. Bolotin at his Brooklyn and Bronx vein and fibroids center has the equipment and skills to assess the extent of your fibroids and recommend fibroid removal or other treatments.

What Risk Factors May Promote the Development of Fibroids?

You’re encouraged to get regular checkups and talk to your doctor to determine if you’re at risk for fibroids. Educate yourself to recognize the symptoms. In general, women who are at a high risk include those who are:

• Members of a family with a history of fibroids
• 30 to 50 years old
• Pregnant
• African American
• Overweight or obese
• Eating a lot of red meat and ham

Doctors recommend pelvic exams for women to determine the condition of their uterus, ovaries and vagina. Following a pelvic examination, if your doctor detects any growth, he can request more advanced imaging tests, such as a fibroid ultrasound.

What Are Fibroid Symptoms?

Even without knowing the actual causes, watch out for any signs of these uterine growths. Fibroid symptoms may include:

• Heavy, painful periods
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pelvic pain
• Severe menstrual cramping
• Unusual weight gain
• Stomach pain
• Lower back pain
• A frequent need to urinate
• Constipation
• Bleeding between periods

How Are Fibroids Treated?

Treatment options vary, depending on your circumstances. If you’re pregnant, for example, certain treatments may be dangerous to you or the baby. On the other hand, if the fibroid is cancerous, you may need to undergo additional treatments like radiation or chemotherapy. Common fibroid treatment options include:

• A wait-and-see approach, with medication for the pain
• Uterine artery embolization, minimally invasive treatment that Dr. Bolotin has mastered
• Hormonal regulation medication such as Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists
• Fibroid removal through minimally invasive surgery
• A hysterectomy, which removes your uterus completely
• Other non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures

The Astra Fibroid Treatment Specialists in Brooklyn, NY and Bronx, NY, determine the best treatment for you, based on your age, the extent of the symptoms, your fertility goals, the number and size of fibroids, and other factors. If you have nagging abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding or problems conceiving, Dr. Bolotin and his team can identify, diagnose and treat your fibroids. Contact him for an appointment to receive the most effective treatment.