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  • Uterine Fibroids
    Fibroids are non-cancerous, ie harmless tumours that grow in the smooth muscle layers of the wall of uterus (womb). About 70% of Asian women develop fibroids at some point in their lives, many of them asymptomatic. The incidence of symptomatic fibroids is lower among Asians.  
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 20 December 2015

Fibroids are non-cancerous, i.e. harmless or benign tumours that grow in the smooth muscle layers of the wall of uterus (womb). 

Synonyms: Uterine fibroids, Myomas, Fibromyomas

Fibroids grow singly or appear in clusters. They are slow growing and may be as small as a peanut to as large as a melon. They are most common among women in their 30s or 40s, with four out of every five women developing fibroids. 

About 70% of Asian women develop fibroids at some point in their lives, many of them asymptomatic. The incidence of symptomatic fibroids is lower among Asians. 

Condition

Stories

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  • Give Yourself Time To Heal
    Prachi*, 43 from Mumbai, India talks of her journey of pain due to adenomyosis, endometriosis and uterine fibroids, the treatment and complications. Initial symptoms and Diagnosis I’ve always had painful periods since menarche. During school days, my grandmother would apply hot cloth compresses on my back for relief. At times, I would leave it on for long, failing to notice that my skin had become red hot from it. Later on, I came to rely on an electric heating pads and painkillers for…
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    I Had To Live And Fight My Osteosarcoma For My Son
    A diagnosis of Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) when she was 26 years old changed Neema's life forever. She talks of her challenging journey including multiple surgeries, amputation and more and the person who motivated her to fight the cancer. Please tell us a bit about your condition It was November of 1998 when I was just 26 years old. I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) of my knee. What were the early symptoms? What made you go see a doctor? I used to work at a Research lab where I…
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    Could Your Symptoms Be Due To Fibroids?
    Fibroids are a common occurrence in women between 30 to 50 years of age and are mostly benign, but should be treated keeping in mind the symptoms present and the advice of the treating gynaecologist. Dr. Chandan Dubey, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist answers some of the common questions. What are fibroids and why do they occur? Fibroids are benign (not cancer) growths arising from the muscle cells of the uterus. They can range from very small (less than a centimetre) to very large in size. They…
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    Thousands of Indian women undergo hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, every year, even though most of these cases can be avoided. Dr Shital Raval enumerates some surgical and non-surgical options available that should be considered before opting for hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is a surgery that entails partial or complete removal of the uterus in women. In America alone, more than half a million women have a hysterectomy every year. Is it a necessary surgical option? Or are there…
  • Uterine Fibroids - What questions should I ask my Doctor?
    When you have a health problem, it is always important to understand what it is and to learn about its causes, symptoms and prevention. So next time you visit your doctor, go prepared with a list of questions. It will help you be more informed and less stressed. To enable you to make the most of your doctor’s appointment, we bring you a new series called ‘What to Ask your Doctor’ starting with questions on Uterine Fibroids. A uterine fibroid is a benign tumor that grows in the wall of the…
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    Since there is no known cause of uterine fibroids, there are no clear strategies to prevent fibroids. However, it is good to know if have a high risk as per the risk factors highlighted - if you are Asian, if have a hereditary risk or if you have had early onset of menstrual cycles. Keep your weight under control.  Avoid a red meat diet Limit alcohol consumption Its also important to do regular tests especially if you are in the high risk category so you can catch them early or before…
  • Management of Fibroids
    Apart from the medication mentioned in the treatment section, the following may help manage the symptoms: Diet Eat beans and legumes as these reduce oestrogen levels Grape seed extract, red raspberry, fish, like salmon, tuna, mackerel rich in omega-3 shrink fibroids Fibre rich foods promote oestrogen excretion, eg: Dark leafy greens Broccoli Ground flaxseed Whole grains like brown rice, millet, rye and oats. These regulate good oestrogen metabolism Avoid eating soya beans, other fermented…