Abstract: Introduction and Background: Leiomyomas, more generally known as uterine fibroids, are benign tumors that develop in the uterine smooth muscle. These tumors typically impact reproductive-age women. Among their many clinical manifestations include infertility, pelvic pain, irregular uterine hemorrhage, and pressure feelings. The purpose of this research is to examine uterine fibroids in women who visit a tertiary healthcare facility and to identify the risk factors that are related with them.
Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the gynecology department of a Sambhram Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Kolar, Karnataka, India over a period of November 2018 to October 2019. Participating in the study were 50 female patients who had uterine fibroids confirmed by clinical examination and ultrasound. Clinical symptoms, menstrual history, obstetric history, lifestyle factors, and detailed demographic information were documented. Lab tests, such as hemoglobin levels and hormone assays, were conducted as deemed essential.
Results: The study population had an average age of 38.6 ± 6.2 years, with 76% of the cases occurring in the 30-50 year old age bracket. The following symptoms were reported by 66% of women: menorrhagia, pelvic discomfort, dysmenorrhea, and urine symptoms. Sixty percent of the cases were found to have anemia, with 32 percent exhibiting moderate to severe anemia (Hb < 12 g/dL). Intramural fibroids accounted for 48% of the fibroid cases, whereas subserosal and submucosal fibroids each accounted for 32% and 20% of the cases, respectively. Thirty percent of patients had numerous fibroids, and the average size of the tumor was 4.2 ± 2.1 cm. In 28% of cases, hormonal imbalances were found, including raised estrogen levels. Additionally, dietary habits including consuming a lot of red meat and not enough fruit and vegetables were linked to an increased occurrence of fibroid (p = 0.045).
Conclusion: Abnormal uterine bleeding is the most prevalent symptom of uterine fibroids, which this study shows are very common among women of childbearing age. A better understanding of how to treat fibroids might be achieved through screening for women at high risk and using early intervention measures such as regulating hormones and making lifestyle changes. To better understand how hormones and the environment contribute to fibroid growth, additional longitudinal research is required.
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