Happy Fibroid Awareness Week, Ladies!

Fibroids are a fact of life for many women. As a matter of fact, it is said that 70% of American women and up to 90% of Black women are affected by fibroids.
This week is National Fibroid Awareness Week. So, in efforts of helping to raise awareness, here are some facts about fibroids.

According to UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology

Fibroids, also known as uterine myomas, leiomyomas, or fibromas, are firm, compact tumors that are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that develop in the uterus.
It is believed that each tumor develops from an aberrant muscle cell in the uterus, which multiplies rapidly because of the influence of estrogen.
Women who are approaching menopause are at the greatest risk for fibroids because of their long exposure to high levels of estrogen. Women who are obese and of African-American heritage also seem to be at an increased risk, although the reasons for this are not clearly understood.

Symptoms of fibroids include the following:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
• Abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods
• Pelvic pain (caused as the tumor presses on pelvic organs)
• Frequent urination
• Low back pain
• Pain during intercourse
• A firm mass, often located near the middle of the pelvis, which can be felt by the physician

If you're a woman who is dealing with fibroids, know that you aren't alone and that more women understand your dilemma than those who don't.