Fibroids Vs. PCOS: What Are These Conditions And Are They Related?

Published on: Jan 24, 2022

Medically Reviewed and Authored by:
Pari Saharkhiz, Doctor of Medicine, Canada, Ontario

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PCOS and Fibroids are both medical conditions that can affect women. Both cause growths on female ovaries and affect hormones and reproductive health. In this blog, we will dive into each condition, the symptoms, how they are connected and all-natural ways in which women can manage their symptoms.

PCOS and Fibroids Difference

Both PCOS and fibroids occur in women due to hormonal imbalances. They are both quite common in women, especially in their reproductive years. If not treated properly, PCOS and fibroids can lead to the development of:

Type-two diabetes

High cholesterol

Sleep apnea and other sleep disturbances

Infertility

Endometrial cancers

What is PCOS?

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome and is a hormonal disorder that affects one in every ten women. PCOS is a metabolic condition, which means that many issues and ailments occur concurrently. This causes issues to begin occurring with their ovaries, menstruation, ovulation and more.

One of the most common symptoms of PCOS is the development of cysts in the ovaries. These cysts are noncancerous, small fluid-filled follicles. The cysts themselves can contribute and cause hormonal changes and imbalances in women. Some common symptoms of polycystic ovaries include:

Irregular periods

Insulin resistance

Infertility

Acne

Weight gain / can't lose weight

Irregular ovulation

Excess hair growth

Typically, to get diagnosed with PCOS patients need to present two of the following symptoms:

Irregular periods

High androgen levels

Ovaries enlarged, filled with cysts (Polycystic ovaries)

The cause of PCOS is not known, and any woman can be diagnosed with it. Researchers believe certain risk factors such as age, weight, resistance to insulin, and family history play a role.

What are Fibroids?

Fibroids are small tumors made from muscle cells and connective tissues. They are pretty common, with 20-80 percent of women developing them before reaching 50. Many women don't have symptoms, and most of the time, fibroids are entirely harmless and benign. But sometimes fibroids can cause some issues affecting a woman's reproductive health and hormones. Symptoms including:

Heavy and painful periods

Pressure on the bladder

Pressure on the rectum

Some grow large enough to appear as pregnancy

Cramps

Pain during sex

Researchers and doctors do not know the cause of fibroids, but they believe that there is a strong link between genetics and age.

Can You Have Fibroids And PCOS At The Same Time?

You can have fibroids and PCOS at the same time, but keep in mind that they are two separate conditions. They are not directly related but can have similar side effects. PCOS is most common in women between 20-30, while fibroids become more common between 30-40. It is common to be misdiagnosed with one or the other.

Can PCOS Cause Fibroids?

A recent study revealed that a polycystic ovary affects uterine blood flow. PCOS does not have a large effect, or any at all, on fibroid development. That being said, a study showed fibroids in African American women were 65% more likely if they had PCOS. So race is indeed a factor to consider when diagnosing PCOS and fibroids.

Similar risk factors affect a woman's odds of having PCOS and fibroids. It would not be shocking to see a woman with both conditions. This is why treating hormonal imbalances with natural supplements can be so beneficial.

Natural Treatments For PCOS And Fibroids

Both PCOS and fibroids are conditions caused by hormonal imbalances. Elan Healthcare's Ovofolic Dietary Supplement for female reproductive health is made specifically to help balance hormones. Ovofolic uses inositol to help women: