Fibroids: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Pregnancy, Treatment
Fibroids may not need treatment if they’re small or don’t produce symptoms. Your outlook will depend on the size and location of your fibroids.
Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or on the uterus.
Sometimes these tumors become quite large and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods. In most cases, they cause no signs or symptoms at all.
The growths are typically benign, or noncancerous. The cause of fibroids is unknown.
Fibroids are also known by the following names:
- uterine fibroids
- fibromas
- myomas
- leiomyomas
- uterine myomas
According to the Office on Women’s Health, around 20% to 80%Trusted Source of women have them by the age of 50 years old. However, most people don’t have any symptoms and may never know they have fibroids.
There are various types of fibroids. The types differ depending on their location in or on the uterus.
- Intramural fibroids: Intramural fibroids are the most common type. They appear within the muscular wall of the uterus. Intramural fibroids may grow larger and can stretch your uterus.
- Subserosal fibroids: Subserosal fibroids form on the outside of your uterus, which is called the serosa. They may grow large enough to make your uterus appear bigger on one side.
- Pedunculated fibroids: Subserosal fibroids can develop a stem, a slender base that supports the tumor. When they do, they’re known as pedunculated fibroids.
- Submucosal fibroids: These types of tumors develop in the myometrium, the middle muscle layer of your uterus. Submucosal tumors aren’t as common as other types.
- Cervical fibroids: Cervical fibroids develop on the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. They’re also rare.
Your symptoms will depend on the number of tumors you have as well as their location and size. For instance, submucosal fibroids may cause heavy menstrual bleeding and trouble conceiving.
If your tumor is very small or you’re going through menopause, you may not have any symptoms. Fibroids may even shrink during menopause and after menopause. This is because your estrogen and progesterone levels drop during menopause. These hormones stimulate fibroid growth.
Symptoms of fibroids may include:
- heavy bleeding between or during your periods
- menstrual clots
- menstruation that lasts longer than usual
- increased menstrual cramping
- pain in the pelvis or lower back
- pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen
- swelling or enlargement of the abdomen
- increased urination
- pain during intercourse
It’s unclear why fibroids develop. A couple of different factors may influence their formation:
- Hormones: The ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone. These hormones cause the uterine lining to regenerate during each menstrual cycle and stimulate the growth of fibroids.
- Family history: Fibroids may run in the family. If your mother, sister, or grandmother has a history of this condition, you may develop it as well.
People are at greater risk of developing fibroids if they have one or more of the following risk factors:
- a family history of fibroids
- are 30 years old or olderTrusted Source
- a high body weight
People who are African American are also at a higher risk of fibroids than people of other ethnicities.
Ovarian cysts are another type of growth that can develop within the female reproductive system. These fluid-filled sacs are noncancerous and often asymptomatic, just like fibroids.
When symptoms do occur, they can also result in pelvic pain, bloating, and changes to the menstrual cycle. Learn more about how fibroids compare with cysts.
Pregnancy increases your body’s production of estrogen and progesterone. Fibroids may develop and grow rapidly while you’re pregnant.
That said, people who are pregnant are still less likely to develop fibroids than people who aren’t pregnant. According to a 2020 study, fibroids affect 20% to 40% of all women and only 0.1% to 3.9% of pregnant women. Learn more about the connection between fibroids and pregnancy.
For a proper diagnosis, you’ll need to see a gynecologist for a pelvic exam. During this exam, they’ll check the condition, size, and shape of your uterus.
You may also need imaging tests.
An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your uterus on a screen. This will allow a doctor or healthcare professional to see the internal structures of your uterus as well as any fibroids.
A transvaginal ultrasound, in which an ultrasound wand is inserted into the vagina, may provide clearer images because it’s closer to the uterus during the procedure.
A pelvic MRI is an in-depth test that produces images of your uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs.
A doctor will develop a treatment plan based on your age, the size of your fibroids, and your overall health. You may receive a combination of treatments.
Home remedies and natural treatments
Certain home remedies and natural treatments can have a positive effect on fibroids, including:
- acupuncture
- exercises such as yoga
- massage
- Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang, a traditional Chinese medicine formula
- applying heat for cramps (avoid heat if you experience heavy bleeding)
Dietary changes can help, too.
Avoid meats and high calorie foods. Instead, opt for:
- foods and drinks that are high in flavonoids
- green vegetables
- green tea
- cold-water fish such as tuna and salmon
Managing your stress levels and aiming for a moderate weight if you are overweight can also be beneficial.
Medications
Medications to regulate your hormone levels may be prescribed to shrink the fibroids.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, such as leuprolide acetate (Lupron Depot), will cause your estrogen and progesterone levels to drop. This will eventually stop menstruation and shrink your fibroids.
GnRH antagonists also help to shrink fibroids. These medications work by stopping your body from producing follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Examples include:
- cetrorelix acetate (Cetrotide), an injectable drug
- ganirelix acetate (Fyremadel), an injectable drug
- elagolix, which is present in the oral drug elagolix/estradiol/norethindrone acetate (Oriahnn)
Other options that can help control bleeding and pain but won’t shrink or eliminate fibroids include:
- over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox DS)
- birth control pills
- an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases the hormone progestin
Noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures
Forced ultrasound surgery is a newer and completely noninvasive surgical procedure. You lie down inside a special MRI machine that allows a doctor to visualize the inside of your uterus. High-energy, high-frequency sound waves are directed at the fibroids to ablate, or destroy, them.
Myolysis procedures (such as Acessa) shrink fibroids using heat sources, such as an electric current or laser, while cryomyolysis freezes the fibroids. During endometrial ablation, a healthcare professional inserts a special instrument into your uterus to destroy the uterine lining using heat, an electric current, hot water, or extreme cold.
Another nonsurgical option is uterine fibroid embolization. In this procedure, small particles are injected into the uterus to cut off the fibroids’ blood supply.
Surgery
You may have surgery to remove very large growths or multiple growths. This procedure is known as a myomectomy.
During an abdominal myomectomy, a surgeon makes a large incision in the abdomen to access the uterus and remove the fibroids. A myomectomy can also be performed laparoscopically. During a laparoscopic procedure, a surgeon makes a few small incisions and inserts surgical tools and a camera through those incisions.
Fibroids might grow back after a myomectomy.
If your condition worsens or no other treatments work, a surgeon may perform a hysterectomy. However, this means that you’ll not be able to give birth in the future.
Your outlook will depend on the size and location of your fibroids. Fibroids may not need treatment if they’re small or don’t produce symptoms.
If you’re pregnant and have fibroids, or become pregnant and have fibroids, a doctor will carefully monitor your condition. In most cases, fibroids don’t cause problems during pregnancy. Speak with a doctor if you expect to become pregnant and have fibroids.
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow on the walls or lining of the uterus. Many women will have uterine fibroids at some point, but most women don’t know they have them since they typically don’t have symptoms.
For some women, the pain from fibroids can be severe. Apart from heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged periods, fibroids can cause:
- dull, chronic pelvic pressure and pain
- lower back pain
- abdominal swelling and bloating
- pain with periods or sex
They can even make you feel like you need to urinate frequently.
The pain may come and go or occur only during sex or menstruation. It may be sharp or a dull ache. Symptoms can also vary depending on the location, size, and number of fibroids you have.
The symptoms of fibroids may be similar to other pelvic disorders, such as:
If you have pelvic pain that won’t go away, heavy and long periods, and problems with urinating, it’s important to see a doctor for a correct diagnosis.
You may be able to manage symptoms with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. This is especially true if you only have minor symptoms that aren’t affecting your day-to-day life.
Home remedies include:
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, especially during your period
- heating pads or warm compresses
- massage
There are also some home remedies that may help reduce other symptoms of fibroids:
- eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats, and avoid red meat, refined carbohydrates and sugary foods as these may worsen fibroids
- consume dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, at least once a day
- limit alcohol
- take vitamin and mineral supplements, including iron and B vitamins, to help prevent anemia caused by heavy bleeding
- exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
- limit your intake of sodium to reduce your risk of high blood pressure
- find ways to reduce stress, such as yoga or meditation
Acupuncture may help with fibroid pain. Acupuncture is a procedure based on ancient Chinese medicine. It involves triggering specific points on the skin with needles to influence various parts of the body.
Current research shows mixed evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment for irregular bleeding and painful menstrual cramps. One review found promising support for the use of acupuncture in the treatment of menstrual pain. However, the authors found that results were limited by methodological flaws.
More research is needed to determine if these potential benefits extend to woman with fibroid pain.
Many cases of symptomatic fibroids can be treated with prescription medications that target hormones involved in regulating your menstrual cycle. Examples include:
- oral contraceptives
- progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs)
- gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists
- gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists
These medications can temporarily improve symptoms. They don’t make the fibroids go away.
In some cases, the only way to get relief may be surgery to remove the fibroids (myomectomy) or a nonsurgical approach known as uterine artery embolization. Embolization involves cutting off the oxygen supply of the fibroids so they shrink.
Other nonsurgical approaches include myolysis and cryomyolysis. In myolysis procedures like Acessa, a heat source such as an electric current or a laser is used to shrink the fibroids. In cryomyolysis, the fibroids are frozen.
Complete surgical removal of the uterus, known as a hysterectomy, is the most definitive way to cure fibroid pain. Hysterectomy is considered major surgery so it’s typically reserved as a last resort. You’re also unable to have children following a hysterectomy.
Any pelvic pain, no matter how mild, is a reason to see a doctor or gynecologist. You should make an appointment if you have:
- overly heavy and prolonged periods
- spotting between periods
- pelvic pain or pressure that won’t go away or severe pelvic pain that comes on suddenly
- difficulty urinating
- feeling like you always need to urinate, or constantly waking up during the night to empty your bladder
Fibroid pain may lessen after menopause, but it may not completely go away. If you choose to have surgery to remove fibroids, your pain will likely be relieved shortly after surgery, but it’s possible for the fibroids to return later on depending on your age. If you’re close to menopause, you may be less likely to have recurring problems.
Some fibroid removal procedures can also cause uterine scarring that can affect fertility.
A hysterectomy is a permanent solution for fibroids because it removes the entire uterus. However, it’s considered a major surgical operation and recovery can take time.
If you think you have uterine fibroids or you have any sort of pelvic pain that won’t go away, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Fibroid symptoms vary from woman to woman and depend on a lot of factors, such as the size, location, and number of fibroids.
There are many different treatment options available for uterine fibroids. The treatment you need depends on your particular case. Diet and lifestyle changes are the first plan of action to treat fibroid pain. In some cases, a hysterectomy is the best and sometimes only choice to make the pain stop.
Fibroids can be incredibly painful for some woman, but they’re not cancerous, rarely interfere with a pregnancy, and usually shrink after menopause.
Uterine fibroids are growths in your uterus. The Office on Women’s Health estimates that between 20% and 80%Trusted Source of women may have fibroids by the time they’re 50. Fibroids are also called:
- benign tumors
- uterine leiomyomas
- myomas
While 99% of fibroids aren’t cancerous or life threatening, they can sometimes cause health problems.
Fibroids range in size from as small as a seed to larger than a grapefruit. They often go undiagnosed because only about a third are large enough to be discovered in a physical exam. You can have one fibroid or multiple growths.
Most people don’t know they have fibroids because signs and symptoms vary depending on the size, location, and number of fibroids. Some people experience no symptoms, while others may have:
- periods that last longer than a week
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- spotting or bleeding between periods
- pelvic pressure or pain
- backache or leg pain
- frequent urination
- difficulty emptying your bladder
- constipation
- difficulty getting pregnant
Fibroids can grow in any part of the uterus. They have different names depending on where they’re found.
- intramural fibroids grow inside the uterus walls
- submucosal fibroids grow into the hollow cavity of the uterus
- subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus
It’s not always known why some people have fibroids. However, some factors that increase the risk of fibroids include:
- age: Those between the ages of 30 and 50 are more likely to have fibroids.
- weight: Being overweight or having obesity may increase risk.
- race: ResearchTrusted Source suggests that African American women are three times more likely to develop fibroids than white women. However, this may be due to a number of factors, including racial discrimination, which negatively impacts well-being and increases stress.
- genetics: Those with a family history of fibroids may be more likely to develop fibroids themselves.
- early age of first period: Starting menstruation before the age of 10 increases risk.
- diet: Those who are deficient in vitamin D are more likelyTrusted Source to have fibroids. Additionally, alcohol consumption is associatedTrusted Source with increased fibroid risk.
- high blood pressure
Making certain lifestyle changes may help reduce your risk of developing fibroids or help to shrink existing fibroids. According to a 2018 research review, these include:
- increasing physical activity
- improving diet
- managing stress levels
- avoiding smoking
- reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
Data from ongoing research shows that vitamin D deficiency may also increase the risk of getting fibroids or worsening fibroids. People with darker skin tones and those who live in cooler climates may especially be at higher risks of vitamin D deficiency.
Raising vitamin D serum levels may help reduce the risk of fibroids. However, further studies and research that includes more diversity are needed.
Balancing blood pressure
A Dutch study found that there may be a link between high blood pressure and fibroids. To manage your blood pressure and help reduce your risk and improve your overall health:
- limit red meat, salt, and added sugar
- check your blood pressure regularly with an at-home blood pressure monitor
- visit your doctor for regular check-ups
- discuss blood pressure readings with your doctor
- get regular physical activity
- take prescription blood pressure medication exactly as prescribed
Fibroids typically grow slowly or not at all. In many cases, they shrink on their own, especially after menopause. You may not need treatment unless you’re bothered by symptoms. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment plan. You may need a combination of therapies.
In moderate to severe cases where symptoms are bothersome, worsening, or not improved with medication, fibroids may be treated with surgery or ultrasound therapy. Surgery may involve removing just the fibroids or your entire uterus.
At-home care, diet changes, and natural remedies may help treat fibroids and relieve symptoms. The lifestyle changes below are also important in the prevention of fibroids.
These natural treatments may or may not help your fibroid symptoms, since relief depends on how severe your symptoms are and how your fibroids have progressed. Talk with your doctor before trying any of these options.
Weight loss
A clinical study in China showed that obesity and excess weight increase the risk for uterine fibroids. This happens because fat cells make high amounts of estrogen. Losing weight may help prevent or reduce the size of fibroids.
Nutrition
Your daily diet is a very important factor in treating fibroids. Eating a nutritious diet can help you maintain a moderate weight and reduce your risk. Certain foods can also help ease symptoms.
Foods to avoid
According to clinical studies, eating excess refined carbohydrates and foods with added sugar may trigger or worsen fibroids. These foods raise blood sugar levels, which may cause your body to produce too much insulin hormone. Limit simple refined carbohydrates like:
- white rice, pasta, and flour
- soda and other sugary drinks
- corn syrup
- boxed cereals
- baked goods like cakes, cookies, and doughnuts
- chips
- crackers
Additionally, it may be helpful to limit foods with added salt, particularly processed and packaged foods. While sodium is an essential mineral for health, the recommended amount for adults is less than 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon of salt) per day to help balance high blood pressure.
Foods to eat
Fiber-rich unprocessed and whole foods help:
- increase satiety
- balance hormones
- prevent excess weight gain
Fruits and vegetables also help reduce inflammation and lower your risk for fibroids. Add these whole foods to your daily diet:
- raw and cooked vegetables and fruit
- dried fruit
- whole grains
- brown rice
- lentils and beans
- whole grain bread and pasta
- quinoa
- fresh and dried herbs
Milk and dairy may help to reduce fibroids. Dairy products contain high amounts of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These nutrients may help prevent the growth of fibroids.
Vitamins and supplements
Some types of vitamins may help reduce the growth and size of fibroids. Research confirms that your risk for fibroids may increase if you have low amounts of vitamin D and vitamin A from animal sources, such as dairy.
Uterine fibroids may worsen menstrual pain, bloating, and cramping. A number of vitamins may help ease these symptoms:
You can find these vitamins in food as well as supplements. If you want to start incorporating supplements into your daily routine, talk with your doctor before you begin.
Other remedies
At-home care may help to manage stress, which can worsen fibroids and your overall health. Try these treatment options that can help manage stress:
- warm compresses or applying local heat
- warm baths
- yoga and exercise
- massage therapy
Herbal remedies may help to treat fibroids or reduce related symptoms. However, more research is needed to determine whether these remedies work, as well as the most effective dosage.
Herbs are potent medicines and can interact with medications and other supplements. They’re also not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Talk with your doctor before taking herbal supplements.
Traditional Chinese medicine
Herbal remedies are used in traditional Chinese medicine to slow fibroid growth and treat symptoms. One herbal formula is called Guizhi fuling or Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang. This formula contains several herbs that act to shrink uterine fibroids, balance hormone levels, and keep your uterus healthy:
- ramulus cinnamomi
- poria
- semen persicae
- radix paeoniae rubra
- radix paeoniae alba
- cortex moutan
Green tea
A bioflavonoid in green tea called EGCG may help reduce the size and number of fibroids. This may be due to its ability to reduce inflammation and remove toxins from your body.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry, or vitex, is taken for heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, and other symptoms. However, there isn’t much research on its efficacy.
In most cases, symptomatic fibroids are treated with:
- hormonal medications
- ultrasound therapy
- surgery
Medications help to shrink fibroids or ease symptoms. Surgery may involve removing just the fibroids or your entire uterus.
Some treatments your doctor may recommend include:
- hormone-balancing medications
- progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD)
- MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery
- uterine artery embolization, which works by blocking the blood supply to the fibroids and uterus
- myolysis, which is removal with a heat source (such as radiofrequency waves); Acessa is an example of this procedure
- cryomyolysis, which removes fibroids by freezing
- myomectomy, which is surgery to remove just fibroids
- hysterectomy, which surgically removes your uterus
Visit your doctor if you experience any symptoms related to fibroids, no matter how mild. Your doctor will examine you and decide if treatment is required.
Follow-up appointments may be needed to monitor your fibroids. If you’re having difficulty becoming pregnant, your doctor can determine if it’s due to fibroids.
What is the fastest way to get rid of fibroids?
Treatment for fibroids depends on a number of factors. To get rid of fibroids quickly, your doctor may recommend surgery or medication. Some people may also benefit from home remedies and lifestyle changes.
What are the signs of fibroids shrinking?
If your fibroids are shrinking, you may have fewer symptoms. For example, one 2022 study of women over 50 years old found that once fibroids start shrinking, symptoms like pressure, urinary incontinence, and bleeding are usually relieved.
Some people may have no symptoms at all.
In some cases, people with larger fibroids may feel pain when a fibroid shrinks or breaks. Contact your doctor immediately if you have severe pain or changes in symptoms.
What can happen if fibroids go untreated?
In some cases, smaller fibroids do not need treatment and will go away on their own. However, sometimes fibroids can get larger and increase in number if left untreated. This can cause symptoms to worsen. Your doctor can determine the best treatment plan for your fibroids.
Your doctor can determine whether alternative or natural fibroid treatment is right for you. Treatment depends on your age, health, and lifestyle. It may also vary by the number, size, and location of your fibroids.
Changes to your diet and lifestyle are often the first plan of action to treat uterine fibroids. These healthy changes are important even with surgery or medication.
Diet, natural remedies, stress management, and alternative pain relief may also help ease symptoms.
Talk with your doctor before taking any type of herbal remedy or supplement. Keep a list of all your medications, supplements, and herbal remedies. Purchase herbal supplements from reputable sources to avoid contamination and unhealthy ingredients.
