Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the muscular walls of the uterus. Many women have fibroids sometime during their lives, but usually without symptoms. In other cases, fibroids can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or frequent urination. There are several factors that can cause fibroids to grow quickly.
Hormones
Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine muscle cells. The hormones estrogen and progesterone promote the growth of fibroids. Fibroids tend to grow larger during pregnancy, when hormone levels are high, and they usually shrink after menopause when hormone levels decrease.
Some research suggests that increased estrogen production in fat cells can promote fibroid growth. Overweight and obese women tend to have higher estrogen levels, which may explain why overweight women are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids.
Genetics
Research shows that fibroids may run in families. Having a mother, sister or daughter with fibroids increases your risk. Genetic abnormalities and mutations in genes like MED12 and FH can predispose women to developing fibroids.
Studies have found genetic differences between fibroid cells and normal uterine muscle cells that cause fibroid cells to grow and multiply more rapidly.
Ethnicity
Black women are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids than white women, and tend to get them at younger ages. Fibroids also tend to grow faster and become larger in black women. The reasons for these ethnic differences are not fully understood, but likely involve genetic, hormonal and other factors.
Age
Fibroids typically appear during the reproductive years, with the majority developing by age 40. Very early onset of menstruation (before age 10) increases the risk. The number and size of fibroids tends to increase as women age into their 40s and 50s when approaching menopause.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause rapid growth of fibroids due to increased estrogen levels. Some studies have found fibroid growth of up to 10% per week during early pregnancy. Most fibroids shrink back to their pre-pregnancy size after delivery, but some remain large.
Diet
Some research indicates that eating more red meat and ham may increase fibroid risk, while eating more green vegetables may decrease risk. Being overweight and obese can promote higher estrogen levels which stimulate fibroid growth.
Other Factors
Other factors that may possibly promote fibroid growth include:
- High blood pressure
- Uterine injury or infection
- Perineal talc use
- Alcohol and caffeine intake
- Smoking
- Oral contraceptive use
Symptoms
Rapidly growing fibroids may cause the following symptoms:
- Heavy periods – Passing large blood clots or bleeding through a pad/tampon every 1-2 hours.
- Pelvic pain – Feeling dull pressure or sharp cramping pains in the pelvis.
- Urinary problems – Frequent urination, incontinence, difficulty emptying the bladder.
- Abdominal fullness – Feeling bloated or full due to an enlarged uterus.
- Anemia – Fatigue from low red blood cell counts due to heavy bleeding.
Fibroids that grow near internal organs may also cause painful symptoms by compressing or displacing adjacent structures.
When to See a Doctor
You should see your doctor if you experience any new symptoms of rapidly growing fibroids, such as:
- Noticeably heavier menstrual periods
- Menstrual periods lasting more than 7 days
- Bleeding between periods
- Increase in abdominal size or girth
- Feeling fullness or pressure in the pelvis
- Urinating much more frequently
- Constipation from fibroid compression
- Lower back pain or leg pain
A doctor can perform imaging tests to confirm if fibroids are present and recommend the best treatment options.
Diagnosis
Doctors use the following tests to diagnose and monitor fibroid growth:
- Pelvic exam – Feels for enlarged uterus or fibroids in the vagina or rectum.
- Ultrasound – Uses sound waves to create images of the uterus and fibroids.
- MRI – Provides detailed images of the uterine anatomy.
- Hysteroscopy – A camera on a thin device inserted in the vagina to directly view the inside of the uterus.
These tests allow doctors to check the number, size and location of fibroids. Repeating ultrasounds or MRIs over several months can show if fibroids are growing rapidly.
Potential Complications
Rapidly growing fibroids can sometimes lead to or worsen complications such as:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding – Potentially leading to iron deficiency anemia from blood loss.
- Reproductive problems – Interfering with fertility and pregnancy.
- Pregnancy complications – Associated with increased risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery or abnormal fetal position.
- Bladder/Bowel dysfunction – Compressing the bladder causing urinary symptoms or compressing the rectum causing constipation.
Large, rapidly growing fibroids may also very rarely undergo malignant transformation into a type of cancerous tumor called leiomyosarcoma. However, the risk is extremely low at an estimated 0.1% or 1 in 1000.
Treatment Options for Fast Growing Fibroids
Treatment aims to control symptoms and slow or stop fibroid growth. Options may include:
- Medications – Such as birth control pills, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or progestin-releasing IUDs to help shrink fibroids.
- Uterine artery embolization – Blocking blood flow to fibroids to cause them to shrink.
- MRI-guided ultrasound surgery – Using sound waves to destroy fibroids without incisions.
- Myomectomy – Surgically removing just the fibroids and repairing the uterus.
- Hysterectomy – Surgically removing the uterus, usually when fibroids are very large, numerous or other treatments haven’t worked.
Your doctor will help determine the best treatment approach based on your individual situation.
Natural Remedies
Some women use natural therapies along with medical treatment to try to slow fibroid growth. However, little research confirms the effectiveness of most natural remedies for fibroids. Some remedies that may help include:
- Vitex (chasteberry) – A herb that may help regulate estrogen and progesterone activity.
- Green tea extract – May help inhibit estrogen production and action.
- Resveratrol – A compound in red wine that exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
- Turmeric – Thought to reduce inflammation and inhibit estrogen effects.
- Milk thistle – An herb that may help limit estrogen activity in tissues.
Always consult your doctor before trying natural remedies to ensure they are safe for your situation.
Prevention
There are no proven ways to prevent fibroids from initially forming. However, the following measures may help reduce your risk of developing rapidly growing fibroids:
- Maintain a healthy weight to avoid excessive estrogen production.
- Exercise regularly to avoid obesity.
- Follow a healthy diet with minimal red meat and more green vegetables.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking.
- Use hormone medications judiciously under medical supervision.
- Consider pregnancy by age 35 to avoid prolonged exposure to estrogen.
Conclusion
Rapid fibroid growth is linked to hormonal, genetic and lifestyle factors. Heavy bleeding and pelvic pain are common symptoms. Ultrasound, MRI and other tests can monitor growth. Medications, surgery and other treatments aim to shrink fibroids and control symptoms. Natural remedies may help, but more research is needed. Prevention focuses on maintaining a healthy weight, diet and hormone levels. Seeing your doctor promptly for any new symptoms allows early treatment to help avoid complications from rapidly growing fibroids.