A fibroid is a benign tumor—also known as a myoma or leiomyoma—that develops from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus. Fibroids are very common: about 70% of women will develop at least one during their lifetime, although most remain asymptomatic. Their growth is stimulated by estrogen and progesterone, which explains why they occur primarily in women of childbearing age and why they naturally shrink after menopause.
Symptoms depend on the size, location, and number of fibroids. Submucosal fibroids—located beneath the uterine lining—are particularly likely to cause heavy menstrual bleeding by impairing the uterus’s ability to contract. Other common symptoms include pelvic pain, a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the lower abdomen, pain during sexual intercourse, and a frequent urge to urinate due to pressure on the bladder. Some women remain completely asymptomatic and discover their fibroids during a routine exam.
Fibroids are often detected during a routine pelvic ultrasound, which reveals their presence, size, and location. A pelvic MRI provides more detailed images, which are particularly useful for planning surgery. Blood tests assess the impact of bleeding—including iron and ferritin levels to screen for iron-deficiency anemia, which is common in cases of very heavy menstrual bleeding.
Treatment is tailored to the patient’s symptoms, desire to become pregnant, and age. Close monitoring is sufficient for asymptomatic fibroids. Medications—such as oral contraceptives, progestins, or GnRH agonists—reduce bleeding and pain in the short term. A myomectomy removes the fibroids while preserving the uterus and fertility. Uterine artery embolization or radiofrequency ablation are less invasive alternatives. Hysterectomy is reserved for the most severe cases.
Fibroids can compromise fertility by blocking the fallopian tubes, interfering with embryo implantation, or altering the shape of the uterine cavity. During pregnancy, they can cause pain, obstetric complications, or abnormal fetal presentation. Undergoing a myomectomy beforehand often improves the chances of conception and the course of the pregnancy. Each situation warrants a personalized gynecological evaluation.
Yes. Even after a successful myomectomy, fibroids can reappear, particularly if the contributing hormonal factors persist. The recurrence rate is estimated to be between 15 and 30 percent at five years. A genetic predisposition—with a higher incidence in cases of a family history—increases this risk. Regular ultrasound monitoring allows for the early detection of any new growths and enables treatment to be adjusted before severe symptoms develop.
Certain complementary measures can support medical treatment. An anti-inflammatory diet—rich in omega-3s and cruciferous vegetables and low in red meat—reduces inflammation. Turmeric and vitamin D3, which some studies suggest may inhibit the growth of fibroid cells, are worth exploring under medical supervision. Maintaining a stable weight reduces excess circulating estrogen produced by adipose tissue.
There is no guaranteed method to prevent fibroids, but certain risk-reducing factors have been identified. Maintaining a healthy weight limits relative hyperestrogenism associated with excess adipose tissue. A balanced diet low in refined sugars and endocrine disruptors reduces hormonal stimulation. Regular ultrasound monitoring in women with a family history of fibroids allows for early detection and management before complications arise.
