Although it is not possible to point to a definite cause for the formation of fibroids, it is thought that women with a family history of fibroids are at risk or that a high level of the oestrogen hormone plays a part in the appearance of fibroids. So do contraceptive pills trigger the formation of fibroids?
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taner Usta, specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, spoke about the effect of contraceptive pills on fibroids. The factors thought to cause the formation of fibroids turn out to be only a prejudice.
WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE FORMATION OF FIBROIDS?
One of the subjects that is very often talked about but is a great prejudice is the hesitation of women with fibroids regarding contraceptive pills: “will the contraceptive pill make my fibroid grow?” Although in past years it was thought that contraceptive pills triggered the formation of fibroids, as a result of the research carried out it was observed that the rate of fibroids was the same in women who used the medication and those who did not.
When we look at the factors that increase the formation of fibroids, not having given birth, periods starting at an early age, eating a lot of red meat, using alcohol, having high blood pressure, unhealthy and inadequate nutrition and being overweight are some of the situations that can play a part in the formation of fibroids.
It is also known that there are certain environmental factors that trigger the formation of fibroids. Foods containing additives that can increase the amount of oestrogen in the body, cosmetic products containing chemicals that trigger the production of this hormone and certain medicines can trigger the formation of fibroids.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR THE FORMATION OF FIBROIDS?
- Periods starting early
- Obesity
- Fibroids in the mother or sister in the family (genetic risk)
- Vitamin D deficiency
- A diet rich in red meat
- Eating few greens (fruit and vegetables)
- Drinking alcohol (including beer!)
IN WHICH SITUATIONS SHOULD YOU GO TO THE DOCTOR?
• If pelvic pain does not go away,
• Severe (heavy) and painful periods,
• Spotting or bleeding between periods,
• Difficulty emptying the bladder or other pressure complaints — in these situations a doctor should be consulted.
FIBROIDS BEGIN TO SHRINK IN THE MENOPAUSE
The hormonal disorders women experience can cause fibroids to form. An imbalance of oestrogen and progesterone, the two main hormones specific to women, can lead to the formation of fibroids. With the increase in hormone production in the female body due to pregnancy, fibroids can form or existing fibroids can grow. At the same time, in the menopause, known as a period in which hormone production decreases, existing fibroids begin to shrink.
A REGULAR CHECK-UP EVERY 6 MONTHS IS ESSENTIAL
As a result of these observations it was revealed that there is a clear relationship between hormones and the formation of fibroids. In a planned pregnancy, women must certainly have a check-up for fibroids before the pregnancy.
What is right for women at this point is to have a gynaecological examination regularly every six months and to have the changes in the body checked.
Especially in a patient with a tendency to rapid growth who could develop pressure complaints, or who is given drug treatment because of abnormal bleeding, the check-up examination should be carried out at shorter intervals. In such a situation the check-up interval should not exceed 2 to 3 months.
Although the probability of fibroids turning into malignant tumours is very low, with regular check-ups it can be possible to prevent many unwanted situations linked to fibroids, such as abnormal heavy vaginal bleeding, premature birth, miscarriage and even the removal of the uterus.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taner Usta
Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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