Symptoms of fibroids in the uterus and approaches to treating the disease

Fibroids often develop asymptomatically, or women simply do not pay attention to it. If there are characteristic signs, you need to find out more information about the pathology and undergo a medical examination. Tumor diseases are considered dangerous to life and health. The sooner treatment is started, the greater the chances of recovery.

What is uterine fibroid

This tumor is composed of muscle or fibrous tissue, as well as blood vessels, and varies in size. If there are no relapses or predisposition, then the formation grows slowly.

Usually it originates in the wall or in the internal cavity of the reproductive organ, the cervix or on the outside. This pathology is more often observed in older women and girls in the reproductive period.

In 50% of patients, fibroids become the reason for surgical intervention.

Development factors

Determining what exactly causes the growth of a benign tumor is quite difficult, since there are many causes of the pathology. The appearance of neoplasms is facilitated by genetic inheritance and increased levels of estrogen , as well as the following factors:

• termination of pregnancy (abortion);
• long-term inflammatory processes;
• taking hormonal contraceptives;
• abuse of UV radiation;
• stress, nervous tension;
• refusal of motherhood, breastfeeding.

Fibroids increase with estrogen therapy and also during pregnancy. When ovarian function declines and the hormone level drops, the fibroid shrinks.

For this reason, small formations are not always subject to removal, since they can go away with age. The tumor can grow over several years without bothering the woman.

The tumor is discovered during a routine visit to the gynecologist or an ultrasound examination.

Signs

Symptoms vary depending on the location and size of the formations. As they grow, they can put pressure on nearby organs and cause:

• heaviness, pain in the lower back or lower abdomen;
• prolonged bleeding;
• discomfort during sexual intercourse;
• frequent urination, constipation;
• sensation of a foreign body in the abdomen.

The disease may be accompanied by convulsions, which occurs due to pressure on nerve endings and muscles. Women also note weakness in the body and decreased vitality. Symptoms cause discomfort, worsen the quality of sexual relationships, and disrupt sleep.

Classification

Depending on the nature of growth and location, neoplasms are divided into the following types:

1. Tumors growing in the supporting space inside the reproductive organ.
2. Submucosal formation located under the mucous membrane.
3. Fibroids that occupy most of the body of the uterus. Raises suspicion of pregnancy.
4. Interstitial, which is considered the most common and is located on the walls of the uterus. The tumor is characterized by a slow growth rate.

There are formations of simple, growing fibroma and sarcoma. Ordinary fibroids take a long time to develop, do not cause concern, and are susceptible to pharmacological therapy. They usually do not contain abnormal structures.

The most dangerous form of formation is considered a cancerous tumor, which requires urgent removal.

What is the difference between fibroids and fibroids?

Myomas develop exclusively in the muscle tissue of internal organs. These tumors differ in location and may have a spheroidal nature of compaction.

Today, the disease occurs in every fourth woman of reproductive age. Only a specialist can identify a pathological process; it is impossible to do this on your own.

In addition, the disease occurs in women who have problems with the endocrine system. Risk factors for developing fibroids include:

• gynecological (inflammatory) diseases;
• excessive body weight;
• termination of pregnancy, difficult childbirth;
• disruption of general hormonal levels;
• cardiovascular diseases.

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The risk is that the mass often grows without visible symptoms. Due to the absence of pain, patients do not experience anxiety. For this reason, there are difficulties in detecting fibroids. To prevent this, it is necessary to pay attention to the first signs of gynecological diseases.

Complications

Fibroids require a mandatory visit to the doctor. This disease leads to pathological changes and the following complications:

1. Purulent processes usually develop against the background of the death of formation cells. Similar changes occur at the location of the shell.
2. A subcutaneous tumor is born in the vagina or outside it. Such formations grow on a long stalk. This process is accompanied by severe pain. The disease is dangerous as it requires conservative treatment.
3. A malignant tumor leads to death. The complication is accompanied by unbearable pain, which intensifies with palpation. An inflammatory process occurs, which aggravates the pathology.
4. Increasing pain, cramps, fever. These complications are considered quite common and are accompanied by pain in the lumbar region.

With prolonged bleeding, anemia occurs. You should not delay your visit to the doctor if your periods are heavy and you experience increased pain.

Features of fibroids during pregnancy

In most cases, tumors occur in young women. They cause problems with conceiving and carrying a baby. If the fibroid is large, it prevents the sexual process, blocks the cervical canal, tubes and leads to disruption of the menstrual cycle.

If conception has occurred, the woman should be under the supervision of a specialist throughout the pregnancy, as there is a risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Often in such expectant mothers, the child has a transverse or pelvic attachment. For this reason, birth occurs through cesarean section.

Subsequent lactation and changes in the uterus can affect the complete disappearance or significant reduction of fibroids. After birth, examination is recommended.

Diagnostics

First of all, the gynecologist collects anamnesis by asking about complaints and information about previous diseases. The doctor examines the female genital organs. The following procedures are used to detect tumors:

• lab tests;
• instrumental diagnostics;
• Ultrasound;
• hysteroscopy of the uterus;
• test for the presence of cancer cells.

Based on the gynecological examination, as well as test results, a conclusion is drawn. The doctor makes a diagnosis and prescribes therapy.

How to eliminate uterine fibroids

Treatment does not guarantee complete recovery, since all types of fibroids tend to recur, so it is important to eliminate the cause of the disease. In most cases, the disease is caused by hormonal imbalance.

If surgery is not indicated, estrogen-based pharmaceuticals .

Herbal remedies, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, and diets are also used .

Surgery

The type of surgical intervention depends on the clinical picture and course of the disease. If it is necessary to preserve reproductive function, women are offered to undergo surgery without cutting off the uterus.

This may involve removing the tumor or blocking the blood vessels that supply the tumor. Patients who no longer want to have children are offered removal of the reproductive organ. The operation can be performed using modern methods.

hysteroresectoscopy has worked well .

Conservative treatment without surgery

Therapeutic measures consist of prescribing herbal medicines, sedatives, vitamins, immunostimulants, hormones . Patients are advised to follow a strict diet . The choice of medications depends on the woman’s age, the degree of hormonal imbalance, and the presence of concomitant diseases.

HRT usually lasts 5-6 months. The goal of such treatment is to eliminate indications for surgery. Hormonal therapy is considered quite effective when the rate of tumor development does not exceed 12 weeks of pregnancy.

If intensive growth is observed during therapy, this requires surgical intervention.

HRT has contraindications for diabetes, varicose veins, and hypertension.

Folk remedies

Alternative medicine recipes, which are used under the supervision of a specialist, will be a good addition to conservative treatment. Most often they are effective if the formations are small in size.

We must not forget about possible contraindications, as well as individual intolerance to certain components.

When using herbs for treatment, you need to be careful, because some components can cause bleeding.

Walnut tincture

Since ancient times, fibroids have been treated without surgery. For this purpose, women prepared infusions from walnut partitions. To do this, you need to take 50 ml of red wine and 50 g of plant material. This mixture was kept for 21 days. Then filtered and consumed a teaspoon in the morning and evening. During menstruation, treatment should be discontinued.

Altai potion

This recipe gained popularity thanks to local healers. Its components can be found in oriental medicine. For preparation you will need the following components:

• two chestnuts;
• 200 g aloe leaves;
• chamomile flowers;
• 600 g honey;
• 700 ml wine.

Squeeze the juice of the plant, chop the nuts, add the rest of the ingredients. Place the food in a water bath and cook over low heat for half an hour. Then cool and strain. It is recommended to take one spoon of this medicine three times a day before meals. You should stop taking the infusion during menstruation. If you additionally use other means, recovery will be even faster.

Traditional medicine recommends fighting the disease with tampons or compresses . One simple way is to make onion remedies. In the evening, you need to grate the plant, heat it over low heat, and cool. Tie the pulp in gauze and place it in the vagina. It is recommended to carry out ten procedures every month, excluding periods of critical days.

Prevention

To prevent the formation of tumors, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

1. Avoid termination of pregnancy, use contraception prescribed by your doctor.
2. The first birth should occur before the age of 22 with mandatory breastfeeding.
3. Women's diseases require timely, qualified treatment.
4. It is forbidden to stay in the sun for a long time, abuse UV radiation and solariums.
5. The first pregnancy should be continued if there is no indication for abortion.
6. Maintain proper nutrition, lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid smoking and alcohol.
7. Have a gynecological examination annually. If you have illnesses, it is recommended to do this more often, for example, once every six months.

Fibroids are not always cured completely; they tend to recur.

Conclusion

Due to late access to a doctor, the situation worsens and complications arise. The tumor is negatively affected by diabetes, excess weight, metabolic disorders, and heredity.

Statistics show that hysterectomy surgery is mainly performed on women 40-45 years old.

However, not every case requires surgical intervention, because fibroids can often be cured using conservative or traditional methods.

Source: https://CriticalDays.ru/bolezni/fibromioma-matki.html

Uterine fibroids: symptoms, treatment without surgery, folk remedies

Tumor diseases of the genital organs are widespread in gynecology. And one of the most common formations is uterine fibroids. This benign tumor is detected in every sixth woman of reproductive age. Therefore, timely diagnosis and subsequent active treatment are of utmost importance.

Causes and mechanisms

To understand the essence of the pathological process, it is necessary to become familiar with its origin. The development of fibroids is mediated by general and local disorders.

The main concept of the occurrence of a benign neoplasm is considered to be hormonal. Regulatory disorders in the hypothalamic-ovarian system give rise to proliferative processes in the uterus.

In the muscle layer, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of fibers are observed, but the cells do not lose their differentiation.

In addition, the metabolism of sex hormones changes in the tumor and the sensitivity of receptors to them increases. Of no small importance is given to cytokines and growth factors, immunological disorders and tissue hypoxia.

It should also be remembered that the following conditions contribute to the development of fibroids:

• Infectious and inflammatory diseases.
• Menstrual cycle disorders.
• Endocrine metabolic pathology.
• Invasive interventions, including abortions.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Disturbances in the neuropsychic sphere.

All these factors must be taken into account when correcting the disease, because the basis of treatment, especially in the early stages, consists of eliminating the cause and mechanisms of development of fibroids. Without this, it is difficult to talk about further recovery.

Classification

There are several classification criteria for a diagnosis such as uterine fibroids. The doctor must take into account the location of the tumor, the direction of its growth, size, spread and morphological structure. The pathological process in most cases develops in the body of the uterus, including the fundus, and only in some cases affects the cervix. The most important influence on the nature of symptoms is the direction of fibroid growth. Based on this, the following node options are distinguished:

1. Submucosal (in the submucosal layer).
2. Intramural (in the thickness of the myometrium).
3. Subserous (in the outer membrane).

Fibroids growing between the uterine ligaments (interligamentous) can also be observed. In turn, the size of the nodes varies very widely: from clinically asymptomatic to those that are comparable to pregnancy for more than 12 weeks. Despite the fact that the tumor grows from the myometrium, it can have a different histological structure:

• Mainly muscle - leiomyoma.
• Mixed connective tissue-muscular fibromyoma.
• Mostly connective tissue – fibroma.

And based on the rate of growth and cellular changes, fibroids can be simple or proliferating. The first is called muscle hyperplasia, and the second is a true tumor with rapid development. In addition, the size of the intramural component in the structure of fibroids and the direction of its growth allow us to form another classification, according to which there are the following types of pathological process:

• 0 – superficial nodes on the pedicle.
• I – having a wide base and embedded in the wall of the uterus (less than half the thickness).
• II – the intramural component is allocated more than 50% of the tumor volume.

In terms of prevalence, there is a single uterine fibroid, but most often it is necessary to detect multiple nodular formations. The lesions are located randomly throughout the entire plane of the organ wall.

Each tumor feature indicated in the classification is necessary to make a clinical diagnosis.

The clinical picture of the pathology is very variable. With small sizes, intramural and subserous tumors do not manifest themselves at all. But submucosal lesions, even small ones, can give rise to certain symptoms, which intensify as the fibroids grow. The most common signs include:

• Heavy and prolonged periods.
• Intermenstrual bleeding.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Problems conceiving a child.

Submucosal nodes disrupt the functioning of the endometrium, which creates such a picture. Due to severe menometrorrhagia, a woman experiences chronic blood loss, which causes anemia.

Characterized by general weakness and fatigue, pale skin and mucous membranes, changes in taste, dizziness, brittle hair and nails.

Infertility is caused by both hormonal disorders and local disorders in the uterine wall (tumor nodes prevent normal implantation).

If a large uterine fibroid is diagnosed, symptoms will include disorders of neighboring organs. Women urinate more frequently, develop constipation and chronic pelvic pain. Sometimes shortness of breath and tachycardia occur when lying down - this is the so-called inferior vena cava syndrome, which appears due to compression of the vascular bundle.

As the tumor grows, the risk of complications increases: pedicle torsion and node necrosis. In both cases, signs of an “acute abdomen” develop, in particular sharp pain, irritation of the peritoneum, reflex muscle tension and deterioration of the general condition. This situation requires an urgent response.

During a gynecological examination, the picture also varies. Small submucosal and intramural nodes cannot be palpated. But external tumors manifest themselves in the form of moderately dense, round and inactive foci, which give the impression of a “lumpy uterus”. With large nodes, the organ increases significantly in size, and with complications, diffuse pain appears.

Additional diagnostics

Uterine fibroids must be confirmed using additional diagnostics, because based on clinical data, a tumor can only be assumed. And its characteristics will become known based on the results of instrumental studies:

• Ultrasound of the pelvis.
• Metrosalpingography.
• Hysteroscopy with biopsy.
• Diagnostic curettage.
• Histological analysis.

To establish the mechanisms of development of fibroids and predisposing factors for their occurrence, laboratory tests should also be performed. The most important is a blood test for the hormonal spectrum (gonadotropins, estrogens, progesterone) and an immunogram. The attending physician may prescribe other tests necessary to identify concomitant disorders.

Additional diagnostic methods make it possible to obtain reliable information about the nature of the tumor process in the uterus and the prerequisites for its development.

Treatment

Treatment measures are determined by how uterine fibroids behave in a particular patient, depend on the size and number of tumor foci, clinical symptoms, and are also carried out taking into account the patient’s age and her reproductive characteristics. Based on the diagnostic results, the doctor creates an individual program for each woman.

Conservative correction

Until now, the question of the advisability of treating asymptomatic tumors remains open. Such patients are most often recommended to undergo ultrasound monitoring every six months to monitor fibroids. If its size increases, then therapeutic correction will have to be carried out.

In the early stages, when the nodes are still small, drug treatment is actively used. Hormone therapy becomes the basis of conservative correction. Considering the important role of regulatory disorders in the origin of the tumor, the following drugs are used to eliminate it:

1. Progestins (Norkolut, Duphaston).
2. Gonadotropin antagonists (Danoval).
3. Agonists of hypothalamic releasing hormones (Triptorelin).

In addition to systemic medications, gynecologists also have local forms of hormonal medications in their arsenal. We are talking about an intrauterine pharmacological system called Mirena.

It contains the progestin levonorgestrel, which has a local effect directly on tumor nodes in the uterus.

If fibroids are accompanied by heavy menstruation and bleeding, then symptomatic correction with the help of hemostatic agents (Dicinone, Vikasol, aminocaproic acid) is necessary.

Operation

Any pathological process, even of a benign nature, must be eliminated. If conservative correction does not help and the tumor continues to develop, then it is necessary to involve surgeons in the treatment of uterine fibroids. Surgery is indicated for large tumor sizes (exceeding 14 weeks), its rapid growth, submucosal localization, complications (pedicle torsion and necrosis), infertility and dysfunction of adjacent organs.

Uterine fibroids are removed in various ways. Recently, preference has been given to organ-preserving operations, which allow the woman to become pregnant in the future.

Such interventions include myomectomy or node enucleation (enucleation), hysteroscopic or laparoscopic resection. The choice of technique and access is determined by the location of the tumor, its size and direction of growth.

But in advanced cases, when the above methods are no longer effective, radical operations have to be done:

• Supravaginal amputation.
• Defundation (removal of the uterine fundus).
• Extirpation (hysterectomy).

Such interventions are more often performed in women of late reproductive and menopausal age, since they do not make it possible to carry a child to term. But low-traumatic techniques completely preserve menstrual and reproductive functions. After surgery, hormonal drugs are often prescribed to normalize the regulatory processes of the female body.

Modern treatment of fibroids consists of drug correction and surgical interventions aimed at eliminating the tumor.

Traditional methods

Some patients of traditional therapy prefer treatment with folk remedies. Indeed, there are a number of natural components used to suppress the tumor process in the uterus and normalize menstrual function. But, unfortunately, they do not have proven effectiveness and safety, which makes taking such medications not entirely justified. In addition, independent use of traditional methods can result in serious consequences, ranging from allergic reactions to progression of the disease.

Therefore, you should first consult with your doctor and not refuse the traditional therapy prescribed by him. And as a supplement, you can try treatment with the following means:

1. Tinctures of propolis, marina root, walnuts, celandine.
2. Infusions of chamomile, St. John's wort, calendula, boron uterus.
3. A decoction of flaxseeds.
4. Aloe juice.

Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Therefore, it is important for women to undergo regular gynecological examinations.

Early detection of the tumor will allow for greater success from conservative therapy. And late stages, unfortunately, will be almost impossible to cure without surgery.

But in any case, the doctor will try to do everything possible to restore the impaired functions of the female body.

Source: https://flovit.ru/medicina/ginekologiya/fibromioma-matki.html

Uterine fibroids symptoms and treatment

Content:

Uterine fibroids are a benign mature tumor that has a connective tissue structure and originates from the walls of the uterus. Uterine fibroids can be accompanied by various symptoms, and its treatment is prescribed by a doctor after a series of examinations.

Clinical manifestations of uterine fibroids have a direct connection with its growth and may include menstruation disorders, the appearance of pain and pressure in the lower abdomen, dysuric disorders, constipation, and lower back pain. Diagnosis is carried out based on the results of a gynecological examination, ultrasound - hysterosalpingoscopy, ultrasound, MRI and CT.

To treat uterine fibroids, conservative (medicinal), surgical (organ-preserving or radical), minimally invasive (endovascular) methods can be used.

Types of Uterine Fibroids

• submucous (submucosal) , which grow inside the uterine cavity, under its lining. As the submucosal fibroids of the uterus grow, spasms and pain appear, and severe bleeding is not uncommon;
• subserous (subperitoneal) , forming outside the uterus, on its outer shell. Subserous fibroids do not show any symptoms until they reach a size that will interfere with the functioning of neighboring organs;
• intramural (intramural) , arising in the walls of the organ. Due to the growth of interstitial fibroids, the size of the uterus increases;
• intraligamentous (intraligamentary) , localized between the supporting ligaments of the uterus. When removing such fibroid tumors, there is a high risk of damage to other organs or blood vessels;
• pedunculated fibroids , formed against the background of the appearance of a pedicle. As uterine fibroids grow, the leg becomes bent and severe pain appears.

Reasons for the development of uterine fibroids

According to most researchers, the occurrence of uterine fibroids is due to the fact that a woman has increased hormonal sensitivity to estrogen and has a hereditary predisposition. The reasons for the development of uterine fibroids include:

• late onset of menstruation;
• a woman’s history of induced termination of pregnancy;
• absence of childbirth by the age of 30;
• carrying out frequent diagnostic curettages;
• complicated childbirth;
• taking estrogen-containing hormonal drugs for contraception or treatment of menopause;
• the presence of concomitant chronic female diseases;
• lack of regular sex life, etc.

Symptoms of uterine fibroids

Most women who are diagnosed with uterine fibroids do not notice any manifestations of the disease. Only 15-25% of patients experience the development of clinical symptoms, depending on the location of the tumor relative to the pelvic organs, the size, number and direction of growth of fibroid nodes.

Symptoms of fibroids in women:

• The appearance of heavy, prolonged menstruation, even bleeding, leading to anemia. Sometimes bleeding from the uterus is acyclic.
• Menstruation is accompanied by the appearance of severe pain and abdominal cramps, and the release of blood clots. In the case of stalked uterine fibroids, pain often occurs during the intermenstrual period.
• The appearance of a feeling of discomfort or heaviness in the pelvic area caused by fibromatous nodes pressing on adjacent organs.
• The occurrence of pain in the lower back and perineum, caused by compression of the nerves that go to the lower extremities.
• Increased urge to urinate.
• Hydronephrosis may develop when the ureter is compressed.
• The appearance of constipation, pain during bowel movements due to pressure on the wall of the rectum.
• The occurrence of painful sensations during intimacy.

Uterine fibroids during pregnancy

As a rule, the presence of small asymptomatic uterine fibroids is not an obstacle to pregnancy. An exception is fibroid tumors, which block the fallopian tubes and block the path of sperm, as a result of which fertilization of the egg is impossible. The presence of uterine fibroids can adversely affect the course of pregnancy.

If the nodes are large, then they reduce the free space of the uterine cavity, as a result of which the full development of the embryo is impossible. Such uterine fibroids can cause late miscarriages or premature births.

If the uterine fibroids are large, then there is a possibility of incorrect position of the fetus, which not only complicates the course of pregnancy, but also makes the birth act more difficult. Often the presence of large fibroids is an indication for a cesarean section.

In the case of carrying a child with uterine fibroids, increased attention and consideration of all possible risks are necessary.

Diagnosis of uterine fibroids

• Initially, uterine fibroids are identified during a consultation with a gynecologist. When performing a two-manual vaginal examination, an enlarged uterus is determined, having a dense consistency and a lumpy surface.
• Using a transvaginal ultrasound of the pelvic organs, it is possible to clarify the location of uterine fibroids, its size, density and relationship to neighboring structures.
• By performing X-ray or ultrasound hysterosalpingoscopy, the presence of submucosal uterine fibroids in the endometrial cavity is determined.
• In case of spontaneous bleeding during the intermenstrual period, in order to exclude uterine cancer, a separate diagnostic curettage or biopsy of the endometrium is performed and a histological examination of the tissue is performed.
• To definitively confirm the diagnosis of uterine fibroids, it is advisable to perform an MRI (CT). The need for diagnostic laparoscopy arises when it is impossible to distinguish uterine fibroids from ovarian tumors using non-invasive methods.

Treatment of fibroids – surgical

The need for surgical treatment of uterine fibroids arises when:

• the tumor is located under the mucosa;
• the node is large;
• uterine bleeding occurs, which is accompanied by chronic anemia;
• the tumor grows quickly;
• the nutrition of fibroids is acutely disrupted;
• uterine fibroids are detected with the presence of endometrial hyperplasia and ovarian tumors;
• the ureter, bladder, rectum are compressed;
• there is a node in the area of ​​the tubal angle of the uterus, which acts as a cause of infertility;
• cervical and cervical-isthmus localization occurs;
• non-regressive and growing uterine fibroids are detected after menopause.

The extent of surgical intervention is largely determined by the age of the patient. If there are indications for surgical treatment before age 40, conservative myomectomy is performed whenever possible.

In particular, it is advisable to remove myomatous nodes that are of medium size (from 2 to 5 cm in diameter) before they rapidly increase in size. Laparoscopic surgery is chosen as the preferred technique.

When performing conservative myomectomy to treat uterine fibroids, relapses occur in 15–37% of cases.

After 40 years of age and after the onset of menopause, it is necessary to perform an operation to remove the myomatous uterus, since if the fibroid has not regressed in the first 2 years after the onset of postmenopause, its continued existence is accompanied by the risk of oncology.

Video - removal of uterine fibroids

Treatment of fibroids is conservative

In some cases, thanks to conservative treatment, which is carried out immediately after identifying myomatous nodes of small and medium size, further tumor growth is inhibited, surgery to remove the uterus is prevented, and the opportunity to give birth to a child is preserved.

Conservative treatment of uterine fibroids is indicated for:

• young age of the patient;
• small size of the myomatous uterus (up to 10–12 weeks of pregnancy);
• intermuscular location of myomatous nodes;
• relatively slow growth of fibroids;
• no deformation of the uterine cavity.

Conservative treatment of uterine fibroids is to normalize:

• chronic anemia;
• inflammatory processes occurring in the uterus and appendages;
• impaired blood supply to the pelvic organs, in which venous stagnation and decreased arterial blood supply predominate;
• disturbances in the functional state of autonomic balance and the nervous system.

Correction of systemic disorders includes a number of measures, including:

• maintaining a healthy lifestyle (rational nutrition, normalization of sleep, giving up bad habits, physical activity, body weight control);
• taking vitamins and microelements in winter and spring;
• treatment of anemia;
• normalization of sex life;
• providing neurotropic effects if the patient exhibits traits of a disharmonious personality.

If pregnancy occurs, it is necessary to preserve it, since postpartum reduction of the uterus and breastfeeding the child for at least 4-6 months helps to change the composition of fibroids, so that they become simple and, in some cases, stop their further development. In order to prevent the inevitable removal of the uterus when the tumor grows, it is very important to preserve and maintain reproductive function until the age of 40.

Treatment of fibroids with hormonal drugs

Depending on the nature of hormonal disorders, the density of receptors in myomatous nodes and myometrium, the effectiveness of hormonal therapy varies. As a rule, in fibroids, where connective tissue predominates, and in large nodes, there are no hormonal receptors, and therefore hormonal therapy is not very effective.

Hormone therapy is advisable when correcting an irregular menstrual cycle.

For this purpose, the use of progesterone and its derivatives (dydrogesterone, cyproterone acetate), as well as androgen derivatives, 19-norsteroids (levonorgestrel, norethisterone acetate) is provided.

In the treatment of patients with uterine fibroids, the most effective drugs include antigonadotropins (gestrinone, danazol), which are characterized by having an antiestrogenic and antiprogesterone effect, which causes temporary amenorrhea. In addition, it is necessary to use gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (triptorelin, goserelin, buserelin), which cause a state of reversible hypogonadism.

ANDROGENS. To suppress the synthesis of ovarian steroids in the presence of uterine fibroids, it is possible to use androgen derivatives (Gestrinone, Danazol). Androgens should be taken in a continuous course for up to 8 months, as a result of which it is possible to reduce the size of uterine fibroids.

GESTAGENS. Thanks to the use of gestagens (Duphaston, Utrozhestan, Norkolut), endometrial growth is normalized during hyperplastic processes.

Since the effectiveness of gestagens against fibroids is low, their use may be justified when identifying small fibroid tumors of the uterus with concomitant endometrial hyperplasia.

Treatment with gestagens can last up to 8 months.

MIRENA SPIRAL. Uterine fibroids can be treated using the Mirena intrauterine hormonal system, which contains the progestin hormone levonorgestrel. With the regular release of the hormone into the uterine cavity, the growth of fibroids becomes difficult and has a contraceptive effect.

COOK. In the presence of small fibroid nodes, the size of which is up to 2 cm, their growth can be effectively slowed down by taking COCs (Yarina, Zhanina, Regulon). The course of treatment for uterine fibroids using combination drugs is 3 months or more.

GnRH ANALOGUES. The use of GnRH analogues (Buserelin, Zoladex) is aimed at achieving hypoestrogenism. Against the background of their regular use, there is a decrease in blood flow to the uterus and fibroid nodes, as a result of which the size of the fibroid decreases. The effectiveness of therapy with GnRH analogues is reversible, because

4-6 months after stopping their use, the nodes reach their original size. In gynecology, GnRH analogues are often used in the preoperative period to reduce the size of nodes for easier removal.

Side effects from the use of these drugs include the occurrence of hot flashes, the onset of pseudomenopause, the appearance of vaginal dryness, mood instability, and the development of osteoporosis.

Video - treatment of fibroids with medications

Prevention

In addition to general recommendations, according to which it is desirable to adhere to a rational lifestyle, prevent common diseases in childhood and adulthood, it is important to exclude abortions, carry out timely correction of hormonal disorders, and adequate treatment of gynecological diseases.

Specific prevention of the occurrence of uterine fibroids includes the timely implementation of reproductive function: it is recommended to give birth for the first time at 22 years old, the second time at 25 years old, then until 35 years old. Due to late first birth, premature aging of myocytes and a decrease in the adaptive ability to stretch and contract are possible.

As a result of abortion and inflammation, the structure of the myometrium is damaged.

The most common time for diagnosing uterine fibroids is a woman’s age of 30–35 years, when the effects of damaging factors are cumulative.

• To prevent the occurrence of uterine fibroids, it is necessary to preserve the first pregnancy, especially for young women with the presence of so-called hereditary fibroids. Abortion can cause the growth of myomatous nodes, and intensive formation of growing fibroids occurs from microscopic nodes.
• In addition, it is advisable to avoid excessive ultraviolet radiation and exposure to elevated temperatures, especially after the age of 30.
• By continuing breastfeeding for 4-6 months after birth, the content of prolactin is normalized, which influences the change in the growth of fibroids.
• Regular visits to the gynecologist and an ultrasound scan are recognized as an effective way to prevent uterine fibroids.

Source: https://LuxMama.ru/fibromioma-matki-simptomy-i-lechenie

Uterine fibroids - what is it?

One of the most commonly diagnosed diseases of the female reproductive system is uterine fibroids. The course of further treatment and the woman’s ability to have children in the future depend on the timely detection of this neoplasm.

What is uterine fibroid

This is a benign formation that is formed from smooth muscle fibers and connective tissue cells. According to statistics, this disease is diagnosed in every 5th patient aged 35-55 years.

Fibroids are a hormone-dependent tumor, so depending on hormonal levels, they can grow, decrease in size, or even disappear, especially during menopause. Only 10-15% of patients with uterine fibroids during the first 10 years of menopause experience an increase in this formation.

Fibromyoma, like most neoplasms, is penetrated by the vessels that feed it, but, unlike others, its vascular network is sinusoidal in nature. The formation of fibroids is promoted by the accumulation of somatic, gynecological and endocrine diseases in the body, so most often it is diagnosed in women over 30 years of age.

Causes and risk factors

Previously, the cause of fibroids was considered to be solely a hereditary predisposition.

Scientists have conducted many studies, during which this fact was confirmed, and it was also revealed that in women of the Negroid race this disease is diagnosed more often and, if one of the identical twins has such a tumor, then the second will definitely have it. In addition, studies have shown that education is not innate, and many factors contribute to its development:

• getting injured during childbirth (not every birth is accompanied by trauma, only those that occur with complications);
• injuries sustained during abortions;
• inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs;
• if a woman has had many menstrual cycles throughout her life and the recovery process after each was disrupted;
• painful menstruation (not only pain is a problem in this case, this condition is accompanied by oxygen starvation of the myometrium);
• long-term uncontrolled use of contraception;
• excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
• ovarian cysts.

Age also contributes to the formation of fibroids, because after 35 years the activity of the ovaries decreases, and they become less sensitive to the effects of hormones. Also at risk are people with obesity, lipid-carbohydrate imbalance, endometriosis and other gynecological problems.

Classification by location and size

Fibroids of the cervix and uterine body are classified depending on its location and nature of development:

• submucosal – located under the mucous layer of the uterus, therefore it is also called submucosal;
• interligamentous – located between the ligaments that support the uterus. This type of fibroids is quite difficult to remove due to the high risk of damage to blood vessels;
• diffuse – a large tumor that affects more than half of the uterine body;
• subserous - the formation forms under the outer layer of the uterus;
• nodular uterine fibroids are a multinodular tumor that includes several pathological formations;
• interstitial - localized on the walls of the uterus and quickly increases in size. They occur most often.

There is another classification of fibroids, depending on the degree of impact on the body:

• simple – develops slowly, does not cause significant discomfort and is amenable to medication;
• proliferating - can grow quickly, most often it is multiple fibroma, which does not contain atypical cells in its structure;
• presarcoma is the most dangerous type, characterized by a large number of atypical cells. This type of tumor causes complete removal of the uterus.

How it manifests itself

In the early stages, uterine fibroids have practically no symptoms and signs, so most often the formation is detected quite late. If painful signs appear, then the disease has already reached serious proportions and most likely it is no longer possible to do without surgical intervention.

The following signs may indicate the presence of uterine fibroids:

• severe pain during menstruation;
• bleeding not associated with menstrual bleeding;
• heaviness and cramping in the lower abdomen;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• frequent urge to urinate;
• transfer of pain to the lumbar and back areas;
• bloating and gas accumulation;
• the stomach increases greatly in size;
• infertility without good reason.

Since fibroids have no characteristic symptoms, it is possible to recognize this disease and establish an accurate diagnosis only after additional research.

How to diagnose

An accurate diagnosis can be established only after a comprehensive examination, which should include the following measures:

• gynecological examination. By palpation, the doctor determines the size of the formation, comparing them with the weeks of pregnancy;
• Ultrasound of the uterus and thyroid gland (up to 80% of women diagnosed with uterine fibroids have problems with the thyroid gland, so it is recommended to examine it at the same time);
• Dopplerometry - this study reveals disturbances in blood flow in the uterus;
• general blood and urine tests;
• MRI and hysteroscopy - these examinations will help to more accurately determine the size, location and type of tumor.

How to treat uterine fibroids

Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment of uterine fibroids can be conservative or surgical. Let's look at these methods in more detail.

Conservative treatment

In the early stages, it is possible to treat uterine fibroids without surgery, while the doctor monitors the process of node growth and the duration of menstruation. Prescribing a conservative treatment method is possible in the following cases:

• the patient is young;
• the tumor grows slowly and is treatable;
• the size of the nodes is no more than 10-12 weeks;
• the body of the uterus has not changed;
• the formation is located in the muscular layer of the uterus;
• if surgery is contraindicated;
• if a woman is premenopausal;
• if the patient plans to become pregnant.

Typically, the course of drug treatment lasts 3 months and includes the following types of drugs:

• combined hormones, they slow down the growth of the formation, but only when the diameter of the nodes does not exceed 2 cm. Already existing nodes do not decrease in size, sometimes, on the contrary, they can accelerate their growth;
• GnRH-releasing agonists. Such drugs lead to the development of menopause while taking them. They have a short-term effect; if you stop taking them, then after a couple of years the formation will remind itself again, and long-term use is fraught with serious complications;
• progestogens. There is no evidence of their effectiveness yet, but they certainly do not reduce the size of an existing formation;
• antigestagens are a new and effective remedy for fibroids.

Surgery

We list the cases in which it is simply impossible to remove fibroids without surgery:

• the tumor is larger than 14 weeks;
• education is rapidly increasing in size;
• fibroids are localized in potentially dangerous places;
• there are frequent and abundant uterine blood loss;
• chronic anemia develops, hemoglobin drops catastrophically;
• pedunculated fibroids with torsion, which leads to tissue necrosis due to malnutrition;
• neoplasms on the ovaries;
• endometriosis;
• the tumor puts pressure on nearby organs, disrupting their normal functioning.

Depending on the rate of tumor development, its size, location, as well as the age and general health of the patient, surgery to remove fibroids may be prescribed using one of the following methods:

• hysteroscopic myomectomy - the tumor is removed through the cervix using a special hysteroscope device. This is a low-traumatic operation that allows patients to become pregnant in the future. It is performed under general anesthesia and lasts no more than 20 minutes. The patient quickly returns to normal life;
• laparoscopic myomectomy – the tumor is removed through small incisions in the abdomen;
• Complete removal of the uterus along with the tumor is a radical measure if the tumor is prone to malignancy and the patient no longer plans to have children;
• embolization of the uterine arteries - during this intervention, a special drug is delivered through the femoral artery through a catheter to block the vessels that feed the tumor, and it dies over time. The intervention is carried out without anesthesia;
• FUS ablation is the effect of ultrasound on a tumor; this is an insufficiently studied technique and is carried out only at the request of the patient.

Traditional therapy

Folk remedies for treating fibroids, such as iodine or herbal decoctions, are not able to relieve the patient of the disease. By treating uterine fibroids with folk remedies, you can only waste precious time and wait until the tumor increases in size or other even more serious complications arise.

What is the difference between fibroids and uterine fibroids?

The difference between fibroids and uterine fibroids is only in their structure. Both types of formations have the same etymology, symptoms and course, the difference lies in the composition of the cells. Myoma has an overwhelming number of smooth muscle cells, while fibroids have a predominant connective tissue composition. Fibroma is already considered a tumor that contains equal parts muscle and connective cells.

• Uterine fibroids: what it is, how to treat it, why it is dangerous

Why is it dangerous?

Fibroids are not a harmless disease; they are more than dangerous due to the development of various kinds of complications. We list the consequences that can cause the lack of adequate treatment for fibroids:

• necrotization of tumor tissue. Occurs due to nutritional disorders. It may be partial or involve the entire tumor. Accompanied by pain, especially during palpation, vomiting, symptoms of hyperthermia and infection. Such complications can only be treated surgically;
• inflammatory processes with suppuration. Most often it is a consequence of tissue necrosis of the formation. Requires surgery;
• a node is born, it usually forms with a long stalk, the process is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, requiring surgery;
• torsion of the leg, which can lead to necrotization of the tumor and purulent processes. The most common complication.

Features during pregnancy

Such a rather large formation often causes infertility in a woman, since it compresses the cervical canal and tubes and thereby interferes with the normal process of conception.

If pregnancy has occurred and uterine fibroids are diagnosed, then the patient is under strict medical supervision throughout the pregnancy, as the risk of spontaneous abortion, premature birth and other health problems for the expectant mother increases.

Most often, delivery in the presence of fibroids is performed by cesarean section, since the presence of a tumor causes a transverse or pelvic presentation of the fetus. Lactation and other hormonal changes in the body of a new mother can contribute not only to the reduction of fibroids, but also to their complete resorption.

Fibroids and menopause

The symptoms and signs of fibroids during menopause are no different from the characteristics of this disease during childbearing years, but in the first case, doctors often take a wait-and-see approach.

This is due to hormonal changes during menopause, against the background of which the tumor may decrease in size and even completely resolve. Many women are interested in whether fibroids can increase during menopause? The answer is definitely yes.

And in this case, complete removal of the uterus along with a rapidly growing formation may be indicated.

Related article: uterine fibroids in menopause

Preventive measures

To prevent the development of fibroids, you must follow the following recommendations:

• do not have abortions, use all available methods of contraception;
• give birth for the first time before age 22, do not give up breastfeeding;
• maintain the first pregnancy, especially if the woman had similar pathologies in her family;
• promptly treat all gynecological diseases;
• avoid prolonged sunbathing and solarium;
• Do not neglect preventive gynecological examinations.

Feedback from women about treatment

As an example, here are some reviews from patients who have undergone or are still undergoing treatment for fibroids:

Angelina, 47 years old.

The diagnosis of fibroids was made 2 years ago. Drug treatment did not produce results. I even tried to use traditional methods, drank a decoction of celandine and all sorts of other drinks, also no effect. Now the doctor recommended removal along with the uterus, since I already have children, I think I’ll agree to such a radical measure;

Lilia, 27 years old.

I had a fibroid removed laparoscopically, no stitches were visible, blood loss was minimal, and this is very important with my hemoglobin of 90, and after 2 weeks I went to work. There are no complications or problems, now my husband and I are planning to have a child;

Veronica, 28 years old.

I couldn’t get pregnant for a long time; an ultrasound revealed fibroids between the tube and the uterus. The tumor was removed laparoscopically and she soon became pregnant. I think that surgery is not scary.

Source: https://MatkaMed.ru/mioma/fibromioma-matki