Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or on a woman’s womb. They range in size from a pea to a melon and most develop during a woman’s childbearing years.
The exact causes of fibroids are unclear, but hormones like oestrogen and progesterone often feed their growth. Many people who visit our clinic to inquire about fibroids treatment in Singapore frequently ask; how does it feel?
Now, some women have no symptoms at all but some feel heavy periods that last longer than normal. You might notice pelvic pain, lower back ache or a feeling of pressure in your tummy.
Fibroids can also cause bloating or make your belly look bigger, even if you haven’t gained weight. Living with fibroids can also be tricky.
While small fibroids often cause little to no trouble, large or multiple fibroids can make daily tasks harder. Simple chores, work or exercise may feel uncomfortable.
How Fast can Fibroids Grow?
To get a proper plan for managing fibroids, an important question you might want toyou’re your provider is; how fast can fibroids grow? Now, the growth rates for fibroids vary from woman to woman with some staying the same size for years.
Others may grow faster during times of hormonal change, such as pregnancy because pregnancy boosts oestrogen and progesterone levels. In some cases, fibroids double in size over six months but more often, they grow slowly—perhaps a few millimetres each year.
Growth can also pause or even shrink on its own. This often happens after menopause, when hormone levels drop. Here is a summary of the factors that affect the growth of fibroids:
- Hormone levels: Higher oestrogen and progesterone can make fibroids grow. These hormones rise each month before your period. During pregnancy, levels stay high for months, so some fibroids grow faster then. After menopause, hormone levels fall and fibroids may shrink naturally.
- Genetics: If your mother or sister had fibroids, you might develop them too. Certain genes can make your womb tissue more prone to developing fibroids. This genetic link explains why fibroids can run in families. However, having a family history doesn’t guarantee you’ll get them.
- Body weight: Higher body weight often means higher oestrogen levels. This extra hormone can feed fibroids and help them grow faster. That said, you might want to maintain a healthy weight to try and slow their growth. Actually, weight management is one way to manage fibroid risk.
- Lifestyle factors: Diets high in red meat and low in green vegetables may raise fibroid risk. Drinking alcohol, especially beer, links to more fibroid growth. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help keep hormones balanced. Small lifestyle changes can have a big impact.
Can you Live a Normal Life with Fibroids?
Considering how impactful fibroids can be, many women who visit our clinic for treatment of fibroids in Singapore also frequently ask; can you live a normal life with fibroids? The simple answer is yes.
Many women with fibroids lead full, active lives. The reason for this is because the impact depends on the size, number and location of fibroids. Small fibroids inside the womb often cause no issues but large fibroids, or those pressing on nearby organs, can affect daily life. Here’s how fibroids can affect you—and how you can cope:
- Heavy or prolonged periods: Large fibroids inside the womb can make periods much heavier. This may lead to iron-deficiency anaemia, which causes tiredness and dizziness. You may need iron supplements or medical treatment to manage anaemia.
- Pelvic pain and pressure: Fibroids near the surface of the womb can press on the bladder or bowel. This leads to frequent urination or constipation. You may feel a dull ache in your lower back or groin. Gentle exercise, warm baths and mild pain relief can ease discomfort.
- Bloating and tummy bulge: Very large fibroids can make your abdomen look enlarged. For many people, this can genuinely feel embarrassing. It may also lead to body image concerns. It may help to choose loose-fit clothes to help you stay comfortable and confident. Talk to a counsellor or support group to ease emotional stress.
- Fertility and pregnancy: Some fibroids interfere with embryo implantation or block a fallopian tube. This can make it harder to conceive. Fibroids inside the womb can also increase the risk of miscarriage or complications during pregnancy. However, many women with fibroids have healthy pregnancies. Regular scans and specialist care help manage risks.
- Day-to-day energy levels: Living with chronic symptoms can leave you feeling worn out. Good sleep, balanced nutrition and light exercise can boost your energy. Mind-body practices like yoga or meditation can also help manage stress and fatigue. The idea is to maintain a healthy lifestyle that supports overall well-being, even with fibroids.
So, is it Okay to Live with Fibroids?
Really, deciding if it’s okay to live with fibroids is a personal choice. Some women pick “watch and wait” when symptoms are mild. Others prefer active treatment to ease discomfort quickly. Consider these factors before you decide whether to live with fibroids:
- Symptom severity: If fibroids cause mild discomfort or no symptoms, you might choose monitoring only. Regular scans every six to twelve months can help track fibroid size. You can switch to treatment any time if symptoms worsen to avoid unnecessary procedures.
- Impact on fertility plans: If you plan to have children soon, fibroids can affect your chances of conceiving. So, you may need treatment before trying to conceive. Removing fibroids can improve your fertility and reduce pregnancy risks. Please, discuss options with a fertility specialist.
- Treatment side effects and recovery: Surgical treatments like myomectomy remove fibroids. The problem is that they come with recovery time and you may need up to six weeks off work for a major procedure. Non-surgical options like uterine fibroid embolisation, allow quicker recovery but carry other risks. That said, it may help to balance the benefits and downsides before you decide.
- Age and hormone changes: Women nearing menopause often see fibroids shrink naturally as hormones drop. If you’re over 45 with mild symptoms, waiting may be sensible. Post-menopause, many fibroids lose their blood supply and shrink.
- Quality of life: Heavy bleeding, anaemia or pain can affect work, relationships and mental health. If fibroids stop you from doing what you love, treatment can restore quality of life. Please, talk to your doctor about how fibroids affect you mentally and physically.
Closing Thoughts
Fibroids are usually benign and many women are able to manage mild symptoms through monitoring and lifestyle changes. Others choose medical or surgical treatments for relief but your decision should consider symptoms, fertility goals and personal comfort.
Please, talk openly with your doctor to help you weigh the pros and cons and find a treatment plan that works just for you. To learn more about fibroids in Singapore or schedule an appointment for treatment planning, please call or visit us at;
Dr Ma Li Clinic For Women & Advanced Pelvic Surgery – Gynaecologist | Endometriosis Singapore
3 Mount Elizabeth, #09-08 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
Phone: +65 6022 0933
