The fibroid symptoms women experience depend mainly on the size, location, and type of fibroid, such as calcified fibroids. Calcified fibroids, also known as calcified uterine leiomyomas, degenerate and harden by developing calcium deposits on top of them.
Regardless of the type of fibroid, if any symptoms are present or there is concern about a calcified uterine fibroid, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with a fibroid specialist. Our fibroid specialists can assess the presence of calcified fibroids and recommend the most appropriate treatment tailored to individual needs.
What Are Calcified Fibroids?
Normally, uterine fibroids are soft and fleshy masses of smooth muscle cells and varying degrees of fibrous connective tissue. However, when fibroids outgrow their blood supply, they undergo degeneration, which presents in various ways. The most common form is hyaline degeneration, which occurs when the smooth muscle of the fibroid is replaced by connective tissue. Around 63% of degenerative cases are hyaline.¹
Uterine fibroid calcification occurs in about 3-10% of cases and will develop a bone-like consistency.² Calcification starts when calcium deposits harden the outer edges of the fibroid, but in certain instances, the entire fibroid may calcify.
Symptoms of Calcified Fibroids
Calcified fibroid symptoms are similar to those of normal uterine fibroids. These symptoms include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding between periods
- Painful periods
- Pain during sex
- Frequent urination
- Abdominal bloating
- Lower back pain
Not all women will endure calcified fibroid symptoms. If the fibroids are small and don’t impact surrounding organs or blood vessels, they might go unnoticed until you have an MRI or an ultrasound.
If you aren’t sure if your symptoms are related to fibroids, our symptom checker can help you determine whether to consult a fibroid specialist.
Is a Calcified Fibroid Dangerous?
Calcified fibroids can lead to significant side effects in addition to typical fibroid symptoms. If the hardened tissue compresses other structures in the abdominal or pelvic area, such as nearby organs or blood vessels, there are risks for complications from the calcified fibroids in the uterus.
A few of these possible complications include:
- Miscarriage or infertility
- Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement
- Anemia
- Uterine prolapse
- Compression of pelvic veins and increased risk of venous thromboembolism (a blood clot in a deep vein)
However, calcified fibroids are typically benign, and symptoms may not occur. Depending on their location and size, they can exert pressure on surrounding organs, leading to discomfort.
Who Is at Risk for Calcified Fibroids in the Uterus?
Calcified fibroids usually occur after menopause. The calcification occurs at the end of the fibroid’s lifecycle, so it can take years for the fibroid to degenerate and harden. As such, calcified fibroids are uncommon in younger women. However, it is possible to have a calcified tumor during your child-bearing years if the fibroid started developing when you were young.
Calcified Fibroid Treatment
If you are suffering from calcified fibroids in the uterus that are causing symptoms or putting you at risk for serious complications, your doctor will likely recommend fibroid treatment.
One of the more common options for calcified fibroid treatment is surgery, such as a hysterectomy or myomectomy. With these surgeries, a doctor either partially or fully removes the calcified fibroid or the uterus. These surgeries carry more risk, can impact your ability to conceive and bear children, as well as require a longer recovery than non-surgical options like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). UFE is a safe and effective fibroid treatment that can be performed in less than an hour and can help treat fibroids in the earlier calcification stages.
Get the Care You Need for Fibroids
For individuals experiencing fibroid symptoms and concerned about the possibility of a calcified uterine fibroid, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with a fibroid specialist at USA Fibroid Centers. Our doctors can diagnose and treat your fibroids in our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling you to get the care you need in a comfortable environment. We specialize in fibroid treatment using UFE, offering women seeking an alternative to surgery a solution for alleviating fibroid symptoms.
With over 40 locations nationwide, finding a fibroid center near you is convenient. Start your journey toward fibroid relief today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there natural treatments available for calcified fibroids?
Currently, there are no natural treatments that effectively eliminate calcified fibroids. However, you can support your body and alleviate symptoms before and after fibroid treatment through a healthy diet and lifestyle habits. Learn more about natural remedies for managing fibroids.
What happens if you leave a calcified uterine fibroid untreated?
A calcified fibroid is already at the end of its lifecycle and is unlikely to continue growing. As such, if it is not causing symptoms, it might not require treatment.
However, if the fibroid causes symptoms following the onset of calcification, your doctor will likely recommend calcified fibroid treatment to alleviate your discomfort, as it may not resolve on its own. Untreated calcified fibroids can lead to serious issues such as chronic pain, heavy bleeding, and difficulty with bowel movements. Therefore, it is crucial to see a fibroid specialist if you are experiencing symptoms.
How are calcified fibroids diagnosed?
Doctors can identify a calcified uterine fibroid using medical imaging tests, such as MRIs and ultrasound exams. Your doctor will also discuss your symptoms and health history during the appointment.
When should I see a doctor?
If you notice any calcified fibroid symptoms, make an appointment with a fibroid specialist as soon as possible. Whether you have a calcifying or normal uterine fibroid, an experienced fibroid doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and develop the best treatment plan for you.
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Sources
- Department of Pathology, “Severely Calcified Leiomyoma of Broad Ligament in a Postmenopausal Woman: Journal of Mid-Life Health,” LWW, 2016.
- Minal Dhanvij et al., “Two Common Pelvic Diseases Detected on X-Ray Pelvis,” Oman Medical Journal, January 31, 2024.