Got Fibroids and Hair Loss?
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus and are associated with many symptoms. Symptoms may include heavy bleeding, pelvic pain/pressure, problems with urination, constipation, and back pain.
Who Is at Risk?
Uterine fibroids are much more common in people of African descent and the symptoms in these women tend to be more severe. One estimate is that 25% of African-American women will suffer from fibroids by the age of 25 and 80% will have them by age 50.
Fibroids Associated with Hair Loss
A study published out of Johns Hopkins University found that uterine fibroids are much more common in women with a specific type of hair loss. This scarring hair loss is called central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA). CCCA is the most common cause of hair loss in African American women.
What to do?
Some women do not believe that their fibroids are serious and adapt to tolerating terrible symptoms. After all, your mother, friends, etc., have similar symptoms and everyone has learned to deal with it. If you have both hair loss and fibroids it could be related to the same underlying cause. The author’s of the Johns Hopkins study suggest that “dermatologists screen for symptoms of uterine fibroids in patients with CCCA and encourage evaluation if appropriate.”
Where Can You Get Screened?
National Vascular Physicians (NVP) offers comprehensive screening for uterine fibroids including standards of care assessments as well as advanced screening using the latest imaging technologies. Regardless of where you seek medical attention, if you have hair loss, it is important that you are assessed for uterine fibroids so that you may seek appropriate treatment.
Where Can You Get Treated?
NVP offers not only uterine fibroid screening, but the latest advanced endovascular techniques. For eligible patients, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology states that a non-surgical treatment called uterine artery embolization is a safe and effective treatment.
Contact us today for fibroid screening and treatment!
