Red meat increases the risk of fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow from the muscle layers of the uterus. They present as smooth muscles that can vary from the size of a bean to large masses.

Classification
According to Dr Johnnie Mulwanya, a gynaecologist at Kayunga Hospital, classification of a fibroid depends on its location in the womb. The most common type of fibroid, intramural fibroid, is usually embedded in the muscular wall of the womb.
Subserosal fibroids extend beyond the wall of the womb and grow within the surrounding outer uterine tissue layers. He says, “Submucosal fibroids push into the cavity of the womb. They can be found in the muscle beneath the inner lining of the wall while cervical fibroids develop in the neck of the womb, called the cervix.”
Symptoms
Dr Joseph Nsengiyumva, a gynaecologist at Bethany Women’s Hospital in Luzira says most people experience no symptom yet one in three women with fibroids will experience symptoms.
Heavy, painful periods that can result into anaemia
Lower backache, discomfort in the lower abdomen, especially in the case of large fibroids
Constipation, frequent urination, pain during intercourse
Pregnancy problems such as repeated miscarriages and sometimes fertility problems
Once a fibroid develops, it can continue to grow until menopause. As estrogen levels fall after menopause, the fibroid will usually shrink.
Risk factors
It remains unclear exactly what causes fibroids but there are risk factors that expose one to fibroids.
During the reproductive years, estrogen and progesterone levels are higher.
Low estrogen levels can cause fibroids, may shrink, such during and after menopause.
A close relative with fibroids increases the chance of developing them.
Being overweight or obese
Diagnosis for fibroids requires an ultrasound scan. It can help detect uterine fibroids and an MRI scan determines their size and quantity.
Treatment is only recommended for those women experiencing symptoms as a result of fibroids. If the fibroids are not affecting quality of life, treatment may not be necessary because during menopause, fibroids often shrink or even resolve completely.

Treatment
The first line of treatment for fibroids is medication. “A drug, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist may be given to cause the body to produce less estrogen and progesterone. This shrinks fibroids and stops the menstrual cycle without affecting fertility. The drug, however, can cause menopause-like symptoms, including hot flashes and vaginal dryness,” says Dr Mulwanya.
Oral contraceptives help regulate the ovulation cycle, and they may help reduce the amount of pain or bleeding during periods. Only take them as directed by the physician. Other drugs may be used, but they may be less effective when treating larger fibroids.

Complications
If not treated, fibroids cause heavy periods leading to depression, anemia and fatigue, abdominal pain, swelling and discomfort may occur in the lower abdomen. They may also cause preterm births, labour problems, and miscarriages may occur as estrogen levels rise significantly during pregnancy..