Uterine fibroids or myomas are fibrous, non-cancerous (benign) growths that can occur within and outside of the uterine cavity. Fibroids are considered to be a common condition affecting nearly 1 in 5 women during their childbearing years. They are usually detected during a pelvic exam or ultrasound, or when a woman describes the symptoms to her health care provider. Even though there is no conclusive evidence as to what may cause uterine fibroids; it is clear that the presence of the hormone estrogen allows them to exist, and grow over time. So ladies, please know that we are all at risk, as estrogen is the primary female reproductive hormone that we all have.
Many women who are diagnosed with fibroids may exhibit a myriad of symptoms that can include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding, where there may be the passage of blood clots
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Menstrual periods that last longer than normal
- Feelings of fullness in the lower abdomen
- Pain during intercourse
- Frequent urination
- Pelvic cramping or pain during menstrual periods
Uterine fibroids disproportionately affect African American women more than any other racial/ethnic group. As well, women who have more body fat than normal for their size, have higher levels of estrogen which could put them at a higher risk of developing uterine fibroids. Equally important, what we eat is extremely relevant to our health, but what’s often overlooked is that many of the foods in which we consume today are highly estrogenic. This means that they mimic the hormone estrogen once metabolized by the body. Exposure to these foods could increase your estrogen levels, causing complications within the body. Foods like soy, animal fats, fruits and vegetables (that are produced with pesticides), caffeine, high fat, sugary, and processed foods, as well as beer and alcohol are prime examples.
It has also become common knowledge among health care professionals, that many products in which we use everyday can contaminate the body, as they are comprised of many chemical agents that are toxic in nature. More specifically, personal care products like lotions, and cosmetics can put you at risk for cancer, and reproductive disorders. These toxic chemical agents are considered to be endocrine disruptors – reeking havoc on the hormonal system of the body.
Interestingly, recent research has shown that black women have an increased risk of developing uterine fibroids, as millions of us use chemical hair relaxers. The data has suggests that the chemical responsible for fibroid growth leach into the skin through lesions and broken skin from chemical burns when the relaxer is applied to the scalp.
Now I know that beauty is pain in some instances, but come on – how much do we have to suffer for vanity?
My personal experience with uterine fibroids began when I was diagnosed in my late twenties. It was dismissed by many a physician as a condition that countless women suffer from, and I was only offered birth control pills to treat the symptoms. This was not an ideal option for me, as I wasn’t a big proponent of hormone-based contraception, and it ultimately didn’t work to relieve my symptoms. Now, these symptoms can either be a minor nuisance for some women, or an all out assault on your quality of life. If you are like me, the symptoms become increasing unbearable; and after reading everything you get your hands on about fibroids, improving your diet, losing weight, reducing stress and alcohol, and trying complementary therapies like herbs and acupuncture, followed by countless doctor visits, second, third, and fourth opinions; you finally decide that surgery is the only option.
I had waived the white flag of surrender. I could no longer deny the fact that my condition was too far gone. I had hoped that surgery would be the solution to help me regain some sense of normalcy in my life…and for me, it did. I was fortunate that my husband and family were supportive, and my recovery went well. My work life improved, as I had no more frantic or nervous moments during my workday, concerned that I would soil my clothes. I also no longer had to run to the bathroom as often, as the weight of my uterus was now normal, and wasn’t putting pressure on my bladder. The anxiety ended. I was finally free.
So what can we as women do to take control of our reproductive health, and reduce our risk of developing uterine fibroids? First off, we need to maintain a positive mindset – our thoughts control our body, so the more we remain hopeful and prayerful, the better we may feel overall.
Here are several more tips that may help to reduce your risk: 
- Reduce stress and get adequate sleep
- Increase physical activity to maintain a healthy weight
- Eat more whole foods that are unprocessed, organic, local and non-genetically modified
- Eat less meat and animal fat
- Reduce or eliminate caffeine, beer and alcohol
- Consider wearing your hair without chemical relaxers
I hope that those of you who read this will better understand how we can be proactive about our health and do what we can within our power to improve our well-being. Of course life isn’t perfect, and some things will happen no matter how hard we work to combat ill health, but we can find solace in knowing that we are acting in our best interest, and the best interest of our families.
For more information, support, and advocacy, the National Uterine Fibroid Foundation can help.
If you would like to share your story on how you have been impacted by uterine fibroids, we would like to hear from you. Please leave a comment. Thank you!
Stay Healthy and Wise,
Ericka L. Abrams, Public Health Practitioner
References:
Soto, A.M., Chung, K.L. & Sonnenschein, C. (1994). The pesticides endolsulfan, toxaphene, and dieldrin have estrogenic effects on human estrogen-sensitve cells. Environmental Health Prespectives 102(4); 380.383. Retrieved from, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1566957/pdf/envhper00392-0044.pdf
Wise, L.A., Palmer, J.R., Reich, D., Cozier, Y.C. & Rosenberg, L. (2012). Hair relaxer use and risk of uterine leiomyomata in African-American women. American Journal of Epidemiology. DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwr351
Disclaimer: Any information provided is strictly educational and should not be considered a substitute for the advice and care of a licensed health care provider.
