Study: Childhood trauma, fibroids linked, the Grio

Research has found some coping skills are associated with inflammation in the body, which can make one more vulnerable to the health problems such as fibroids. © Monkey Business - Fotolia.com

Research conducted within the health study of black women at the Boston University School of Public Health recently found a link between abuse and fibroids. The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, included 9,910 black around women in the country and found a higher incidence or fibroids in women who had been abused from childhood (physical or sexual) compared with women who had not known of any abuse.

Uterine fibroids is a non-cancerous tumor that develops in the lining of the uterus. Fibroids can grow as a single tumor, or there may be several. Most fibroids cause no symptoms, but women who have symptoms may experience heavy bleeding, pain during sex and complications during pregnancy and labour.

Black women are three times more likely to have fibroids than white women. Black women are also more likely to be diagnosed at an earlier age, have fibroids grow faster and are more likely to have symptoms.

Unfortunately, the researchers do not know what causes fibroids. Dr. Wise, the principal investigator on the black women's health study, said if confirmed by future studies, the childhood abuse could be added to the list of possible causes of fibroids. It considers that the conclusions of the study are very useful for those in the field of health. "The findings may sensitize practitioners of health that women who have experienced the strains such as childhood abuse can present a high risk for fibroids."

Many women lament on how tired and stressed out that they feel. What they do not know, is that stress might make them sick. The researchers concluded that stress increases the risk for many physical health problems. Dr. Amani Nuru-cast, associate professor at UC Berkeley School of Public Health and an expert on the impact of stress and health explains, "stress finds its place in our bodies and has physical consequences, such as the development of chronic diseases like fibroids... sexual abuse are considered to be a factor in chronic stress because these experiences can stay with a person long after it happened. The experience of stress can be repeated again and again until the problem is resolved."

Dr. Gail Wyatt, clinical psychologist, sex therapist and Director of the UCLA Center for Culture, trauma and mental health disparities found in his research that women with a history of childhood abuse have much higher levels of stress. However, she said, "this problem is so complex that many factors must be considered when we look at the impact of the abuse of children on health; including a consistent lack of health care that can influence the outcome. "Wyatt is also author or stolen women: Reclaiming Our sexuality, taking Back Our Lives.

Dr. Paula Randolph, practice of the gynecologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at the Columbia University Medical Center also believes that there are several possible explanations. Dr. Randolph says, women who are victims of violence are more likely to complain of abdominal pain and can occur to the doctor more than others. This would lead in the testing and discovery of fibroids".

If you have abuse in childhood, this does not mean that you intended to have fibroids. Women's health study found that women who have been abused as children, but got support from others - family, friends, tips - were less likely to get fibroids than those without support.

Dr Nuru-cast or UC Berkeley adds that his research has found some coping skills are associated with inflammation in the body, which can make one more vulnerable to the health problems such as fibroids. She explains: 'these coping skills including things like the deletion of his emotions,.' do not ask for help, without consider the pain and take care of others at the expense of itself have been associated with health problems her research found that many black women identify with the idea of being a superwoman and even if it can give one a sense of control, it can also be bad for their health because it leads to them not getting help when they notice that something is wrong.

Here are a few recommendations for black women who may be affected by chronic stress:

Beware of becoming a "Superwoman". Take more time for personal care, including going to the doctor as soon as you notice a problem.Be not annoyed by traumatic experiences, you've had in your childhood. Speak with a trained professional - adviser, head of the faith, therapist - on abuse experiences you have had.Asking for assistance, or families and friends. Ask others for help with household chores and child care.Model healthy habits for your children. Teaching the next generation of girls and young women about the importance of the management of stress and social support.

Dr. Scyatta a. Wallace is an award-winning Expert psychologist/Teen, Associate Professor of psychology and founder of the Janisaw company. The work of Dr. Wallace focuses on health issues affecting young people and families.

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