How does diabetes affect uterine fibroids?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 42-year-old woman, and I have been dealing with uterine fibroids for the past few years. Recently, my symptoms have worsened. I have been experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and increased pressure on my bladder. I was diagnosed with diabetes last year, and I am managing it with Metformin, but I am concerned about how my diabetes might be affecting my uterine fibroids or vice versa.

My recent ultrasound showed multiple fibroids, the largest measuring about 1.57 inches in diameter. My hemoglobin level has dropped due to heavy bleeding, and my fasting blood sugar levels have been fluctuating between 130 and 150 mg/dL. I am seeing my gynecologist regularly, but I am worried that the fibroids are getting worse and might require more invasive treatment. Could you advise on the best course of action considering my diabetes?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Fibroid, though a progressive disease, does not have a direct effect on diabetes, but the complications associated with fibroid, like pain and pressure on the urinary tract, could make blood sugar control difficult, leading to higher doses of required medication to take care of the disease.

Diabetes does not have a direct effect on fibroid progression or growth, as its growth is primarily hormone-driven.

It is not all fibroid that requires treatment; however, when fibroid becomes symptomatic, it becomes necessary for an intervention to be carried out. Your fibroid is now causing heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure symptoms; therefore, there is a need for it to be operated on. This is necessary to ensure a better quality of life for you, reduce the risk of further complications, and help in managing the disease.

These surgeries for fibroids have undergone significant improvement over the years, and death or complications from the surgery are rare.

So, my advice is for you to go ahead and remove the fibroid, as they are now symptomatic.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.