Dealing with Degenerative Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are estrogen-dependent, non-cancerous tumors, but they can cause severe pain. Certain factors can elevate your risk for fibroids.

According to Latasha N. Murphy, M.D., FACOG, a board certified gynecologist and surgeon in The Gynecology Center at Mercy, fibroids are genetic, but certain lifestyle habits can be a trigger.

"There are a couple of things that can increase a woman's estrogen level. That would be being overweight or potentially things that are in the diet such as high soy or red meat content. These can cause the fibroids to be worse. If you can prevent these items in your diet or at least minimize what you intake in terms of elevating your estrogen level, it would be helpful," Dr. Murphy said.

Symptoms to look out for are periods that last more than seven days, weight gain, abdominal swelling and pain.

Dr. Murphy noted that pain that is more severe may be a sign of degenerating fibroids. These are fibroids that lose blood supply, causing inflammation.

She also noted that Black women are 80 percent more likely to have fibroids compared to the general population.

View Mercy gynecologist Dr. Latasha Murphy's interview regarding uterine fibroids and degenerating fibroids.