Up to 80% of women will develop uterine fibroids by age 50, yet many have no idea they carry the benign muscle growths until symptoms force the issue.
Dr. Yuliya Malayev, a DO and OB-GYN with the Detroit Medical Center, says the body sends early signals - if women know what to look for. She advises patients to treat their menstrual cycle like a vital sign, taking note of any changes in length, heaviness, or pain, and to bring those changes to a doctor’s attention promptly.
Fibroids are smooth muscle growths that can form anywhere within the uterus, ranging from the size of a blueberry to, in extreme cases, a basketball. While any woman of reproductive age can be affected, some face far higher odds. African American women are among the most at risk, with Malayev noting rates as high as 75%. A family history also raises risk - the condition can run through generations.
Diagnosis typically begins with a conversation about symptoms and a physical exam, often followed by an in-office ultrasound. MRI is reserved for more complicated cases.
Treatment depends heavily on a woman’s age, symptoms, and family plans. Hormonal and non-hormonal medications are often the first line of defense. But for women who want more lasting relief without major surgery, options have expanded significantly in recent years.
The DMC recently introduced the Sonata radiofrequency procedure - the first in Michigan to offer it - an incisionless treatment performed in a single day with no required downtime. Women may see up to a two-thirds reduction in bleeding and pressure symptoms.
Malayev says the range of available treatments marks a dramatic departure from what was once a binary choice between managing symptoms and undergoing a hysterectomy. Today, patients can explore medication blockers, minimally invasive procedures, and targeted fibroid removal before considering more definitive surgical options.
Women experiencing changes in their cycle or other symptoms can schedule an appointment at dmc.org/womenshealth.