Myomas can cause symptoms like abdominal pain andheavy menstrual bleeding, but some people remain entirely symptom-free.
More than half of all people with a uterus will experience a myoma by age 50.
This article describes the different types of myomas, including the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
It also explains how myomas are diagnosed and when it is time to see a healthcare provider.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
What Are the Symptoms of Myoma?
The symptoms of myomas depend on how big the tumor is and where it is located.
People with myomas tend to have symptoms that come and go.
The symptoms can fluctuate during themenstrual cycle.
For some people, myoma symptoms are severe and cause constant pain.
Others experience no symptoms at all.
Possible symptoms of a myoma include:
In most cases, a myoma is not life-threatening.
Occasionally, myoma can cause sudden, severe pain when it outgrows its blood supply and starts to die.
Only a handful of cases have been reported in the medical literature.
Each person’s experience with myomas will look and feel different.
It’s possible to have just one myoma or several.
They can range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit.
Myomas can be located inside the uterus or on its outer surface.
They may grow quickly or slowly.
For size reference:
What Are the Causes of Myoma?
Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes myomas, but hormones are thought to play a key role.
High levels ofestrogenandprogesteronelikely stimulate the growth of these tumors.
This is evidenced by the fact that myomas tend to shrink aftermenopausewhen these hormone levels drop.
They will start by asking you about your health, including your family’s health history.
They will also want to know about your symptoms and what your menstrual cycles have been like.
Medical tests used to diagnose fibroids include:
How Are Myomas Treated?
A myoma that’s not causing any pain or other symptoms doesn’t necessarily need to be treated.
However, if your symptoms are severe or impacting surrounding organs, treatment may be recommended.
Some options only treat the symptoms of a myoma while others affect the growth itself.
There are several medications your healthcare provider may recommend.
The jot down of surgery selected depends on the size, location, and number of myomas you have.
Talk to your healthcare provider before using any complementary therapy to ensure that it is safe.
Some people can effectively manage the condition with treatment, while others may be asymptomatic for years.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
A myoma that bursts requires immediate medical treatment.
Also known as a uterine fibroid, it can cause pelvic pain and abnormal menstrual bleeding in some people.
Others may have no symptoms.
The diagnosis of myomas involves a pelvic exam and imaging studies like an ultrasound.
University of California San Francisco.Obstetrics & gynecology: fibroids.
2014;23(7):619-26. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4690.
2023 Jul;229(1):45.e1-45.e18.
