Question 1

What is Uterine Fibroids?

Accepted Answer

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50. They are caused by hormonal influences, particularly estrogen and progesterone, combined with genetic factors that trigger abnormal smooth muscle cell growth in the uterine wall. The CA-125 test is the most important blood test for uterine fibroids because it helps rule out ovarian cancer and other gynecological conditions while providing valuable information for comprehensive pelvic health assessment.

Question 2

What causes uterine fibroids?

Accepted Answer

Uterine fibroids are caused by a combination of hormonal influences and genetic factors that trigger abnormal growth of smooth muscle cells in the uterine wall. Estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that stimulate uterine lining development during each menstrual cycle, appear to promote fibroid growth. Research shows that fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine muscle cells, making them highly responsive to these hormones. Genetic changes in uterine muscle cells, family history, and certain growth factors also play important roles in fibroid development.

Question 3

What is the best test for uterine fibroids?

Accepted Answer

The CA-125 test is the most important blood test for uterine fibroids because it measures a protein marker that can be elevated in various gynecological conditions, helping doctors rule out ovarian cancer and other serious pelvic issues while assessing your overall reproductive health. While imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI are needed to visualize and confirm fibroids, the CA-125 blood test provides crucial information about whether elevated levels might indicate fibroids or other conditions requiring different treatment approaches. This test is especially valuable when you have pelvic symptoms and need a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate care plan.

Question 4

When should I get tested for uterine fibroids?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience heavy menstrual bleeding that soaks through pads or tampons every hour, periods lasting longer than seven days, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty emptying your bladder, constipation, or backache. Testing is also important if you notice your abdomen expanding without weight gain, experience pain during intercourse, or have difficulty getting pregnant. Women with a family history of fibroids or those approaching menopause who develop new pelvic symptoms should also consider testing to rule out other conditions and establish an appropriate treatment plan.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Accepted Answer

Uterine fibroids cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, and backache or leg pain. Many women also experience pain during intercourse, an enlarged abdomen that feels firm or swollen, and menstrual periods lasting more than a week. Some women with fibroids have no symptoms at all, especially when fibroids are small, while others experience severe symptoms that significantly impact daily life and quality of life depending on the size, number, and location of the fibroids within the uterus.

Question 6

Who is at risk for uterine fibroids?

Accepted Answer

Women of African descent have the highest risk of developing uterine fibroids and tend to develop them at younger ages with more severe symptoms. Other risk factors include family history of fibroids, early onset of menstruation before age 10, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, eating too much red meat and not enough green vegetables or fruit, and drinking alcohol. Women who have never been pregnant are also at higher risk, while those who have given birth have a lower risk that decreases with each pregnancy and childbirth.

Question 7

What happens if uterine fibroids are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated uterine fibroids can lead to severe anemia from chronic heavy bleeding, causing extreme fatigue, weakness, and potentially requiring blood transfusions. Large fibroids can press on surrounding organs, causing kidney damage from urinary tract blockage, chronic constipation, or nerve compression leading to persistent back and leg pain. While rare, fibroids can complicate pregnancy by increasing the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, placental abruption, or abnormal fetal positioning requiring cesarean delivery. Severe cases may ultimately require surgical intervention like hysterectomy when symptoms become unbearable or complications develop that cannot be managed with less invasive treatments.

Question 8

Can uterine fibroids be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Uterine fibroids cannot be directly diagnosed with blood tests alone, but blood work plays an essential role in comprehensive evaluation and ruling out other conditions. The CA-125 test helps distinguish fibroids from ovarian cancer and other gynecological issues, while a complete blood count checks for anemia from heavy bleeding. Imaging tests like pelvic ultrasound or MRI are necessary to actually visualize and confirm the presence, size, and location of fibroids. Blood tests complement imaging by assessing how fibroids are affecting your overall health and helping your doctor determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Question 9

How is uterine fibroids treated?

Accepted Answer

Uterine fibroids treatment depends on the size, location, symptoms, and whether you want to preserve fertility, ranging from watchful waiting for small, asymptomatic fibroids to medications and surgical procedures. Hormonal medications like birth control pills, GnRH agonists, or progestin-releasing IUDs can help control heavy bleeding and shrink fibroids. Minimally invasive procedures include uterine artery embolization, which cuts off blood supply to fibroids, and MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery. Surgical options include myomectomy to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus, or hysterectomy for complete removal of the uterus when fertility preservation is not desired or other treatments have failed.

Question 10

How can I prevent uterine fibroids?

Accepted Answer

Preventing uterine fibroids focuses on lifestyle modifications that balance hormones and reduce risk factors, though complete prevention is not always possible due to genetic components. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet helps regulate estrogen levels, while eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and vitamin D-rich foods may reduce fibroid risk. Limiting red meat consumption, avoiding excessive alcohol intake, and managing stress through yoga or meditation can help maintain hormonal balance. Having children and breastfeeding may also lower your risk, as pregnancy and lactation temporarily suppress estrogen production and give the uterus a break from monthly hormonal cycles.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with uterine fibroids?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies for uterine fibroids focus on managing symptoms and supporting hormonal balance, including dietary changes like increasing fiber intake to help eliminate excess estrogen and eating anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, leafy greens, and berries. Green tea contains compounds that may slow fibroid growth, while vitamin D supplementation has shown promise in reducing fibroid size in some studies. Herbal remedies like chasteberry and milk thistle may support hormonal balance, though you should consult your doctor before starting any supplements. Regular exercise, stress reduction through yoga or meditation, and acupuncture can help manage pain and heavy bleeding, but these approaches work best alongside medical treatment rather than as replacements.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Uterine Fibroids Blood Test

What is Uterine Fibroids?

What causes uterine fibroids?

What is the best test for uterine fibroids?

When should I get tested for uterine fibroids?

References

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