Even though fibroids are not life-threatening, their symptoms can significantly make your life harder. They can affect your fertility and prevent you from getting pregnant, cause heavy menstrual bleeding, extreme pelvic pain, more extended periods, and other health issues.
Research says that 70 to 80% of women develop fibroids in their uterus by reaching the age of 50. The causes of fibroids are not adequately known; however, certain factors put you at a greater risk for developing the condition. If you are experiencing fibroid symptoms, a New York myomectomy can help.
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are the growth of tumors that develop in or around a woman’s uterus. They often appear during a woman’s childbearing years. A majority of the female population develops this condition; however, only 10 to 20% experience the symptoms. This happens when the tumors become large and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy bleeding.
Risk factors of fibroids
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Age
Fibroids are more commonly seen in older women than in younger women. Fibroids usually occur during a woman’s reproductive years. During these years, their body produces estrogen and progesterone, creating a lining in their uterus during menstruation. The creation of this lining increases the risk of developing fibroids.
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Race
You are at risk of developing uterine fibroids if you are a woman of color. Research shows that black women are roughly three times more diagnosed with fibroids than white women. Black women tend to experience the condition earlier and have larger tumors than white women. The reasons for such disparities are unclear. However, the scientists are still working on finding them.
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Obesity
Fibroids have been increasingly found in obese women. Although the cause is not known, scientists believe that obese women experience symptoms of fibroids more because of higher levels of estrogen in their bodies. Fat cells produce estrogen in your body. Thus, the more fat cells, the higher the level of estrogen.
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Diet.
Your diet plays a significant role in balancing various hormone levels in your body. If you are eating foods that increase estrogen levels in your body, that could be a reason for your pain. These foods can increase your risk of developing fibroids and worsen existing tumors. Try including foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, starches, and whole grains.
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Alcohol consumption.
Alcohol consumption increases the levels of estrogen in women’s bodies and may lower progesterone levels. As we have stated in the previous points, estrogen can increase the growth of fibroids. Studies have shown that consuming alcohol increases your chances of developing fibroids by 50%.
