What causes uterine fibroids? What does uterine fibroids mean?

What causes uterine fibroids? Uterine fibroids refer to abnormal changes in uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are a common gynecological tumor, mainly composed of uterine smooth muscle cells. Although most uterine fibroids are benign, they may become diseased in some cases. This article will introduce the causes of uterine fibroids and their significance in detail.

Uterine fibroids are one of the most common tumors in the female reproductive system. They are usually lumps that grow within the myometrium and vary in size, sometimes even growing very large. The lesions of uterine fibroids usually refer to abnormal changes such as nodules, necrosis, hemorrhage or cystic changes in the tumor.

So, what causes uterine fibroids? At present, the exact cause of uterine fibroids is still unclear. However, studies have shown that the following factors may be related to its occurrence.

The first is the change in hormone levels. Estrogen is a hormone that promotes the growth of the endometrium, while androgen inhibits the growth of uterine smooth muscle cells. Therefore, high estrogen levels may increase the risk of uterine fibroids. In addition, the growth rate of uterine fibroids will also accelerate during pregnancy due to the increase in estrogen levels.

The second is genetic factors. Studies have shown that family history is associated with the occurrence of uterine fibroids. If a direct relative has uterine fibroids, the individual's risk of developing uterine fibroids will also increase.

In addition, age, race, obesity, etc. are also related to the pathology of uterine fibroids. The peak period for women to have uterine fibroids is from puberty to menopause, and Asian women have a lower risk of uterine fibroids than other races. Obesity can also increase the possibility of uterine fibroids.

So what is the significance of uterine fibroids? Uterine fibroids may cause some discomfort, such as abnormal uterine bleeding, pain, bladder and rectal compression. These symptoms may be more obvious when the uterine fibroids become larger or in the wrong position. In addition, uterine fibroids can also have a certain impact on fertility. Some lesions may cause deformation of the uterine cavity, affecting the implantation of the fertilized egg, thereby increasing the risk of infertility.

In the popular science section at the end, we need to briefly introduce the treatment methods of uterine fibroids. For patients with no obvious symptoms or mild symptoms, observation and regular follow-up may be appropriate options. Some drugs, such as progesterone and estrogen antagonists, can help relieve symptoms. For patients with obvious symptoms or limited fertility, surgery may be a necessary option. Commonly used surgical methods include myomectomy, uterine fibroid embolization and hysterectomy. The most suitable surgical method should be selected according to the patient's specific situation.

In summary, although the exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, multiple factors such as hormone levels, genetic factors, and age may be related to their occurrence. Uterine fibroids may cause a series of uncomfortable symptoms and fertility problems. However, timely treatment and management can help patients relieve symptoms and improve their quality of life.