When you have fibroids, you may experience pelvic pain, heavy periods, or difficulties conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term. On the other hand, you might not even know you have these uterine tumors. How is that possible? Well, your experience will differ depending on how many fibroids you have, how large they are, and where they are located. Given all these variables, how can you know how to deal with fibroids? In some cases, you age may be your best guide.

In your 20s? Here's How to Deal with Fibroids

Most women won't develop fibroids in their 20s. But the risk for fibroids at this age is higher for black women, and for those whose period began before they turned 10. So, to avoid a delayed or missed diagnosis, this is the decade when you should monitor period changes. And you should focus on staying healthy, getting regular exercise and focusing on your diet, since these factors can reduce your future fibroid risk.

Fibroids in Your Thirties and Forties: A Major Concern

These are the decades when women are most commonly diagnosed with fibroids. They are also a common time for women to start or grow their families. So, since fibroids can impact pregnancy, you may wish to schedule a fibroid screening before trying to conceive. You may also wish to seek treatment before pregnancy if any tumors are detected.

Of course, in your forties, you may enter perimenopause, and that could lead to fibroid growth and worsening fibroid symptoms. Why is that the case? Estrogen appears to play a role in fibroid growth and development, and levels of this hormone can peak dramatically at times throughout your perimenopausal years. Fortunately, if you have completed your family at this age, you can explore a wide range of fibroid treatment options.

How to Deal with Fibroids in Your Fifties and Beyond

By the time you turn 50, you will likely have entered menopause or be very close to reaching this stage of life. Now, once you stop menstruating, your body produces less estrogen and progesterone, typically resolving any remaining fibroid symptoms. However, you could still experience problems with fibroids after menopause, so mention any concerns to your doctor, especially since some fibroid symptoms could also be a sign of more serious health conditions.

How to Deal with Fibroids, Regardless of Age

Regardless of your age, fibroids can cause pain and disrupt your life. But you don't have to suffer in silence. And you don't need to treat your tumors with a hysterectomy, or with any kind of surgery! Ready to find minimally-invasive fibroid relief? Request an appointment with our fibroid experts in Georgia! When you come into one of our three locations in and around Atlanta, we will determine your age, current state of health and lifestyle needs as we guide you towards the best way to deal with your fibroids.