Why this common women’s health condition is so misunderstood

Despite affecting as many as 80 per cent of women by the age of 50, fibroids, lumps of tissue that grow in or around the womb, are not commonly discussed outside of specialist doctors’ offices. However, they can cause a whole host of health issues, such as heavy or painful periods, poor bladder control, chronic constipation, and even affect fertility and complicate childbirth. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Michelle Griffin, a women's health expert, author and former BBC Science Focus columnist, to talk about her latest book, Fibroids – Everything You Need to Know, From Symptoms to Diagnosis and Beyond. She tells us how the location of fibroids determines the specific symptoms and complications associated with them; the role hormones play in their development and growth and talks us through some of the latest developments in treating this common but overlooked condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices