Uterine fibroids
Get to know your condition: heavy menstrual bleeding related to uterine fibroids
Note: This page provides information on your condition and does not necessarily reflect the benefits of MYFEMBREE.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (myomas) are non-cancerous tumours of the uterus (womb). Fibroids can range in size from several millimetres to about the size of a grapefruit. If there are many fibroids, they will cause the uterus to increase in size, sometimes to the size of a full-term pregnancy.
You’re not alone.
Uterine fibroids affect 70–80% of women who have reached the age of 50.
Many women are unaware they have fibroids because they don’t have any symptoms. They are sometimes diagnosed by chance during a routine gynecological exam.
What are symptoms of uterine fibroids?
In many women, fibroids may not cause symptoms. Up to half of uterine fibroids can cause symptoms. These symptoms can include:
- abnormal periods (like heavy or irregular bleeding, or lengthy periods)
- iron deficiency anemia (a lower-than-normal amount of healthy red blood cells in the blood)
- bulk symptoms (very large fibroids can cause the uterus to increase in size; this can cause symptoms related to the bulk-size of the uterus, like lower back pain, pelvic pain or pressure, constipation, increased urination, or urinary incontinence)
- fertility issues
Other symptoms may include:
- painful periods
- chronic pelvic pain
- pain during sex
- complications during pregnancy and labour
What causes uterine fibroids?
The exact cause of fibroids is not known, but the growth of fibroids is dependent on the hormones estrogen and progesterone. There are several other factors that may contribute to fibroid growth. Talk to your doctor to learn more about these factors.
Lifestyle tips to promote good health
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
Try to eat a balanced, healthy diet. Maintaining a healthy weight will improve your overall health. Eat plenty of fruits like apples, oranges, and tomatoes, and green vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.
Get enough vitamin D
Vitamin D supports immune health, muscle function, bone health, and brain cell activity. Consider eating more foods high in vitamin D (like fortified milk or salmon), spending more time in direct sunlight, or talking to your healthcare professional about taking a vitamin D supplement.
Monitor your blood pressure
High blood pressure can lead to a number of health problems. Talk to your healthcare professional about the best ways to manage your blood pressure.
Exercise
Regular daily exercise can help improve your overall health. The benefits are many: it can help control your weight, improve your mood, boost energy, promote better sleep, and control your blood pressure, to name a few.
Throughout this website, the term “women” is used to mean cisgender women and individuals with female biology. Pfizer acknowledges the importance and need for more research into the challenges facing the transgender, genderfluid, and non-binary communities.