Why More Than 80 percent of African American Women Will Have Uterine Fibroids by the age of 50

The American Society of Reproductive Medicine says that African American women are more likely to suffer from fibroids in the uterus as compared to European women. Uterine fibroids may cause pain, prolongation of periods and can interfere with everyday life. What is the reason why African American women have more fibroids than women from other races?

Uterine Fibroids: What Are

A uterine fibrid, also called a leiomyoma, or uterine myoma, may be a benign growth that occurs in or around the womb. It's made up of fibrous tissues as well as muscles. Uterine fibroids can grow as single nodules or clusters, and they can differ in size. Some may grow to the size of a watermelon.

Fibroids aren't a problem for some women. But for some, they can be a source of debilitating and challenging issues. The causes are:

Longer, heavier periods

Abdominal pain

Aches in the back

Urinary tracts require frequent visits

Inconveniently emptying the bladder

Pain during sex

Chronic vaginal discharge

Constipation

Pain and pressure in the pelvis

Leg pain

Enlarged uterus

While the exact causes of uterine fibroids remain an unanswered question One theory suggests they are caused by higher estrogen levels.

There are a variety of fibroids. Fibroids that develop inside the womb are called submucosal fibroids that expand into the cavity of the uterus. Intramural fibroids are located in the female uterus's wall. uterus. Subserosal fibroids are found on the exterior of the uterus.

Pedunculated fibroids are the rarest fibroids. They grow outside of the uterus. They connect to it via a thin stem. They resemble mushrooms.

Racial Disparities

Not only are African American women experience uterine fibroids more than three times more frequently than white women, but they also develop them sooner. African American women also experience more fibroids and have more painful symptoms than white women.

According to the American Journal of Obstetrics, 25 percent of African American women may develop uterine fibroids before the age of 25, and up to 80% of them will have them by age 50. It's 10% higher than the rate for white women.

Since African American women tend to have fibroids later in life and are also more likely to have surgery for them.

Possible Reasons

It's not known why African American women suffer from fibroids more than white women, however, scientists believe there are a few aspects that might be behind the differences.

Genetics is a factor in the formation of uterine fibroids and women who have family members who suffer from fibroids are more likely to develop these. This suggests some genetic factor that may increase the chances of fibroids in African American women.

According to the findings of a study conducted by the Department of Epidemiology Gillings School of Global Public Health, high levels of stress may cause the development of uterine fibroids. The stress of life can cause fibroids to grow larger, and those that are not symptomatic at begin, can cause discomfort.

A research by the University of South Carolina shows that African American women are likely to be afflicted by stress-related aging and illness in a greater proportion than white women, so it is possible that stress is the cause for more fibroids among African American women.

Another theory is that African American women may have less vitamin D because of their darker skin tones. According to the National Institutes for Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, the proportion of those with darker skin who have vitamin D deficiencies is as as high as 70%..

Vitamin D absorption is largely affected by skin coloration that is darker.

There are also studies that suggest certain environmental factors, like diet, which contribute to the development of uterine fibroids. studies have demonstrated that African American communities are more vulnerable to food insecurity and facing issues with diet.

These conditions can have grave consequences for African American women's health, as many of them are more susceptible to develop heart and diabetes. These elements can also affect fertility health and also the formation of uterine fibroids.

The treatment of symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

It is imperative to get treatment for female uterine fibroids for women of color or African American descent. There are options available, such as the embolization of uterine fibroids (UFE) which can eliminate fibroids without the need for surgery.

Contact Modern Vascular to learn more about treatment options.

Modern Vascular discusses Peripheral Artery Disease

Harvard Medical School estimates that peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can affect approximately 15 percent of the U.S. population. Most people are not diagnosed since their symptoms aren't severe. Without a diagnosis, it is impossible to begin treating this condition and cause serious harm to your life should you not treat it.

Find out more about peripheral arterial disease, its symptoms , and how you can treat it.

Peripheral Artery Disease: What it is

PAD refers to a disease in which fatty deposits (also called plaque) reduce the size and constrict the blood vessels that carry blood to your legs. PAD is more prevalent in the legs than in the arms for most people.

Arteries are hollow tubes that have smooth linings which help accelerate the process of blood flow while also preventing blood clots from forming. Over time, fat deposits build up in arteries , making it hard for blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to the legs. Atherosclerosis is the name given to the accumulation.

Your arteries may become blocked or too wide, which may cause your body to not receive the nutrients it needs. This can potentially result in gangrene developing in the tissues below.

Peripheral Artery Disease Symptoms

Many people with peripheral artery disease don't experience any symptoms. One of the signs that peripheral artery disease may result in is leg pain. sometimes referred to as claudication.

The condition can cause cramps in the feet and legs, as well as persistent discomfort after stopping walking. The severity of the pain can vary from mild to intense.

Additional signs of PAD may include:

Coldness in the foot or lower leg

Leg numbness

Leg weakness

A weak pulse in the legs and feet.

Legs with shiny skin

Toes, wounds, or sores, feet, or legs Modern Vascular doctors albequrique new mexico that won't heal

Gangrene

The color of the foot or leg

A slow growth rate for the hairs and nails on feet or legs

As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more painful and more difficult to control.

When to Call the Doctor

Consult a specialist if you experience any of these symptoms. They can determine if you have peripheral artery disease. Anyone can get this disease, but there are risk factors that can make your chances higher. These risk factors are:

Ageing in advanced

High blood pressure

High levels of cholesterol

Obesity

PAD in the family

Diabetes

Peripheral neuropathy

History of smoking

The best treatment option for you will be determined by the severity of the problem and your overall health. Changes in lifestyle can be adequate for many. Lifestyle changes can include eating a diet with less sodium and adding walking throughout the day. You can also stop using nicotine products and take aspirin less frequently.

Endovascular procedures and angiograms are options when lifestyle changes aren't working. The angiogram is a procedure where the doctor inserts a catheter inside the narrowed artery and injects dye through the catheter. This lets the doctor observe the obstruction.

The doctor will be able to take out the plaque, or insert a small balloon that presses against the wall of the artery. This allows blood to flow once more. The doctor could also decide to place a mesh stent that holds the blood vessel open.

If these options do not offer lasting relief from your pain, the