Uterine Fibroids Awareness Week: why early detection is important
FROM April 18 to 24, communities will come together to mark Fibroid Awareness Week, a significant time dedicated to supporting women battling fibroids.
This annual event aims to shine a spotlight on a common yet under-discussed health issue that impacts between 20% and 80% of women at some point in their lives.
Kiko Vitals, a company offering holistic wellness solutions, is focusing on Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month to equip women with the knowledge they need to identify, diagnose, and tackle uterine fibroids head-on.
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous lumps that form in the muscle layers of the uterus. They are most frequently found in women of childbearing age. However, the condition often flies under the radar due to the absence of noticeable symptoms in many cases.
Understanding fibroids
Uterine fibroids can vary in size, going from tiny to as large as a grapefruit. These growths are common among women of reproductive age and can occur in different parts of the uterus, leading to various symptoms. Prevalence and risk factors Women who have a family history of fibroids are more likely to develop them.
Hormonal imbalances
Fibroids are more common in women in their thirties and forties, and the risk decreases after menopause due to a decrease in hormone production.
Being overweight increases the risk of fibroids.
Consuming a diet high in red meat and low in green vegetables, fruit, and dairy may also increase the risk.
So may high stress, lack of exercise, and high alcohol consumption.
Early onset of menstruation is another risk factor for fibroids.
Common symptoms
Women who have uterine fibroids might have heavy periods, pain or pressure in the lower stomach, needing to pee a lot, constipation and bloatedness.
These symptoms can cause other problems like anaemia from losing too much blood, trouble getting pregnant, and complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage, early birth or a baby not growing as it should.
When it comes to finding out if someone has uterine fibroids, doctors usually start by checking the patient by hand during a pelvic exam to see if there’s anything unusual.
They also use ultrasound tests, which can be done from outside the belly or inside the vagina, to get clear images of the fibroids, showing how big they are, where they are, and how many there are.
Sometimes, doctors might ask for other tests like hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy or laparoscopy. to get a better look and make a more accurate diagnosis, explained Kerri-Lee Taylor, the founder of Kiko Vitals.
“Understanding, diagnosing, and managing uterine fibroids is vital for overall health and well-being. Uterine Fibroid Awareness Week helps to highlight the prevalence and impact of fibroids, which affect a significant portion of women, particularly those of African descent,” she said.
One of the biggest misconceptions about uterine fibroids is that they always require surgical treatment, she added. “Many women with fibroids might not even realise they have them, as they don’t always cause noticeable problems. For those seeking treatment, the starting point might be as simple as changes in diet and lifestyle.
“Reducing body inflammation through a healthy diet, supplements, managing stress, and regular exercise can naturally decrease the size of fibroids.”
Among their offerings, she said their Hormone Balance stands out. This product combines chasteberry and dong quai, traditional ingredients celebrated for their ability to help foster hormonal balance.
Since hormonal imbalances, especially in estrogen and progesterone levels, play a pivotal role in the formation and growth of uterine fibroids, achieving a more balanced hormonal state could ease symptoms.
Taylor also highlights another product, Debloat + Gut Glow, designed to tackle the digestive issues often linked with uterine fibroids.
This product’s formula brings together slippery elm, peppermint and lemon balm, all celebrated for their digestive benefits and their knack for easing bloating.
Dandelion root is added to the mix for its liver-cleansing abilities, while papaya enzyme improves digestion and nutrient uptake, she said.
“A dash of ginger root enhances the blend with its anti-inflammatory powers, making digestion smoother and reducing bloating.”