Is there a connection? Do you ever wonder if one health condition develops because of an existing one, even though the doctor tells you not? I have Graves’ Disease so is there a connection between fibroid tumors and an auto-immune disease?

During my first pregnancy, I get the diagnosis of having fibroid tumors in my uterus. Sadly, a miscarriage is an outcome but within two months, I am pregnant with a healthy beautiful daughter who is my whole world today!

The specialist informs me there are three non-cancerous tumors in the uterus. A major concern is will there be enough room for the baby to grow full term. I am monitored frequently with ultrasounds and stress tests. Life is moving forward as I continue to work and engage in normal activities.

One problem is I am losing weight instead of gaining. I do not know yet that I have an autoimmune disease. Is there a connection? I remember being hospitalized for a day because of a fibroid flare-up. Such chronic pain! The doctor put me on a codeine drip to stabilize the pain keeping both mamma and baby stress-free.

Except for the one incident with the fibroids, my pregnancy is great. I never felt so healthy. Energy is running high, and the doctor wants me to eat, eat, and eat! With about four or five weeks to go, living arrangements are becoming tight. She is not able to start turning for a natural birth. Emotions are intense since a c-section is scheduled for the next morning! Yes, I am having a pre-mature baby!

At this point, I have only gained six pounds from my original weight. My daughter is born the next morning weighing 3.8 ounces. She remains in the NIC-U for about three weeks. Finally, we bring her home, and I have another fibroid flare-up. I remember taking large doses of Ibuprofen to stabilize the pain.

I am thirty-seven years of age when my daughter was born. By the time I reach forty, it is cold turkey! No more periods! Looking back now, is there a connection? Some doctors would say this is too early to go into menopause. I know that every female is different, but my mom went through menopause early too.

Genetics can play a role with fibroids because of cells forming before birth. I am not a doctor, but I found an article from Natural Endocrine Solutions that contains information on uterine fibroids and thyroid health. The title is Uterine Fibroids, Endometriosis, and Thyroid Health.

If fibroid tumors are not causing pain or bleeding, my current ob-gyn believes there is no need for a hysterectomy. Funny though, I had a primary physician who told me that she felt if I had a hysterectomy, this would clear up my immune system.

In 2015, I am diagnosed with Graves’ Disease. I now have two more fibroid tumors hanging on the outside of my uterus. One sits right behind my bladder causing those moments when you say, “I am too young for this”. I am leaking urine now! Seriously, it is time to do something about this!

Since my thyroid was removed in June of 2021, the fibroids on the outside of the uterus have become larger. Currently, I am struggling with the major decision, “should I push for a hysterectomy”?  I have an appointment coming up soon to discuss surgery with the goal of feeling better!

My advice to everyone is to keep searching for answers. Your symptoms are real and deserve attention. If you are not happy with what one doctor has to say, then research another one. Connecting the dots really makes a world of difference in your health journey! It is changing mine!