Fibroids

Up to 77% of women develop fibroids in their childbearing years. While not always a cause for concern, it’s important to get checked out if you exhibit fibroid symptoms. In Beverly Hills, California, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist Lia LaBrant, MD, FACOG, detects and treats fibroids to reduce the symptoms and lower your risk of complications. Schedule an evaluation with Lia LaBrant, MD, by calling the office or booking a visit online today.

What are uterine fibroids?

Fibroids are growths in the uterus that usually appear during the childbearing years. They’re almost never cancerous, but can affect fertility and cause unpleasant symptoms. Fibroids vary in number and size, but can grow to the size of a grapefruit. However, they often don’t cause symptoms, so you might not realize fibroids are present. 

Which symptoms can uterine fibroids cause?

Fibroids can contribute to the following symptoms:

• Longer periods
• More frequently periods
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding between periods
• Painful periods
• Frequent urination
• Trouble urinating
• Constipation
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Enlarged abdominal area
• Pain in your back or stomach
• Pain during sex
• Bloating
• Chronic vaginal discharge
• Infertility

Fibroids causing heavy menstrual bleeding can cause anemia, which can lead to weakness and fatigue. 

Fibroid symptoms can disappear after menopause due to hormone changes. Seek immediate medical care if you experience sharp, sudden pelvic pain or severe bleeding. 

What are the risk factors for uterine fibroids?

While the cause isn’t fully understood, fibroid risk factors include:

• Being of childbearing age
• Changes in hormone levels
• Pregnancy
• High body mass index (BMI)
• Obesity
• Family history of fibroids
• Going through menopause late
• Getting your first period before age 10
• Never having children
• Gene changes
• Low vitamin D
• Diet high in red meat but low in fruits and vegetables
• Alcohol

Adopting healthy habits could lower your risk of uterine fibroids, but genetics also appear to play a role in their development.

How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?

Dr. LaBrant diagnoses fibroids by discussing your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and medication. She completes a pelvic exam and could recommend lab tests, an ultrasound, an MRI, a CT scan, a hysteroscopy, or other diagnostic procedures to detect fibroids and determine if you’re a candidate for treatment. 

How are uterine fibroids treated?

Your personalized fibroids treatment plan can include:

• Watchful waiting
• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Treatment for anemia
• Infertility treatment
• Medication
• Birth control
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Endometrial ablation
• Uterine artery embolization (injections)
• Fibroid removal surgery
• MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery
• Hysterectomy

The goal of treatment is to ease symptoms, optimize fertility, and avoid complications. Dr. LaBrant follows up to ensure your treatment is working as designed.

Schedule a fibroids evaluation with Lia LaBrant, MD, by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.