By Dr. Beverly Vaughn Fibroids are the most common benign gynecologic tumor. Even so, there is much about them that is not understood. This article discusses causes, treatment and options for future therapies. In her article she notes that the most common symptom is longer and or heavier menstrual periods. Other symptoms may include pelvic pressure as the uterus grows, frequency of urination or constipation depending on the location of the frbroid and their relationship to other abdominal or pelvic structures.
Myomas are sensitive to estrogen and progesterone.
There has been controversy , in the past about the wisdom of placing reproductive age women on birth control pills. Dr. Stewart points out that recent work shows the pill may actually have a negative effect on fibroids. She also touches on dietary influences. Eating red meat may increase the risk of fibroids, green vegetables may decrease the risk. However changing dietary habits once fibroids are apparent is not of benefit.