What causes uterine fibroids?
-
Dr. Kevin Windom answered:The cause of uterine fibroids is not known. Most fibroids occur in women of reproductive age, and it is thought that hormones play a role in the growth of these benign tumors of the uterus. Genetics definitely plays a role in the cause of fibroids, and it is well known that African American women have a much higher instance of fibroids. Lastly, it is rare to see fibroids occur in a young woman who has not started menstruating as well as in a woman who has gone through menopause.
Helpful? 2 people found this helpfulThe cause of uterine fibroids is not known. Most fibroids occur in women of reproductive age, and it is thought that hormones play a role in the growth of these benign tumors of the uterus. Genetics definitely plays a role in the cause... More -
Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD answered:Each uterine fibroid begins its development as a single muscle cell and for unknown reasons begins to duplicate. While it is not known what causes fibroids to grow, these tumors are under the control of estrogen and progesterone, the principal ovarian hormones. After menopause, when the estrogen levels fall, fibroids decrease in size.
Each uterine fibroid begins its development as a single muscle cell and for unknown reasons begins to duplicate. While it is not known what causes fibroids to grow, these tumors are under the control of estrogen and progesterone, the... More -
NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but doctors know that it develops in smooth muscle tissue that's found in the uterus. When one cell reproduces over and over again, it forms a growth called a myoma, or a uterine fibroid. The reason for this random cell reproduction isn't clear, but it may be related to genetic mutations, elevated levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, and other chemicals found in the body.
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but doctors know that it develops in smooth muscle tissue that's found in the uterus. When one cell reproduces over and over again, it forms a growth called a myoma, or a uterine fibroid. The reason... More -
Dr. John Lipman answered:No one know what causes fibroids. They are typically seen in women of child-bearing age and more common in African-American women than women of other racial groups.No one know what causes fibroids. They are typically seen in women of child-bearing age and more common in African-American women than women of other racial groups. More -
Healthwise answered:The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not known. Fibroids begin when cells overgrow in the muscular wall of the uterus.
After a fibroid develops, the hormones estrogen and progesterone appear to influence its growth. A woman's body produces the highest levels of these hormones during her childbearing years. After menopause, when hormone levels decline, fibroids usually shrink or disappear.
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not known. Fibroids begin when cells overgrow in the muscular wall of the uterus. After a fibroid develops, the hormones estrogen and progesterone appear to influence its growth. A woman's body produces the... More -
The cause of fibroids remains unknown. There are some theories, but researchers are continuing to study what exactly causes the growth. The cause may be genetic, hormonal, environmental, or a combination of all of these factors:
- Genetics: A specific gene causing fibroids has not been identified. However, if a person has a grandmother, mother, or sister who suffers from fibroids, she is twice as likely to develop them.
- Hormones: Researchers have observed that fibroids grow during pregnancy because there is an abundance of estrogen and progesterone, and shrink after menopause, when there are very low levels of estrogen and progesterone. Although hormones may contribute to the growth of fibroids, their exact role is not known.
- Growth factors: Growth factors are proteins that regulate a process known as angiogenesis, which is the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. The new blood vessels then allow blood to flow to any existing growth, including fibroids. Growth factors may play a role in fibroid development.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The cause of fibroids remains unknown. There are some theories, but researchers are continuing to study what exactly causes the growth. The cause may be genetic, hormonal, environmental, or a combination of all of these factors: Genetics: A... More -
Dr. Frederick Friedman of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:Uterine fibroids are actually smooth muscle tumors. They are almost always benign, although they can grow to rather large sizes. While the exact cause is not known presently, recent molecular genetics studies have implicated a series of genes that may be responsible for their growth. Clearly there appear to be genetic factors involved because fibroids tend to run in families; there are racial predilections as well. Hormones also appear to play a role - estrogen and progesterone receptors have been demonstrated on fibroids. In addition, fibroids tend to grow during a woman's reproductive years, as estrogen is produced. After menopause, when estrogen levels decline, fibroids tend to shrink.Uterine fibroids are actually smooth muscle tumors. They are almost always benign, although they can grow to rather large sizes. While the exact cause is not known presently, recent molecular genetics studies have implicated a series of genes that... More -
Greenville Health System answered:No one knows for sure what causes fibroids. Researchers think that more than one factor could play a role. These factors could be:
- Hormonal (affected by estrogen and progesterone levels)
- Genetic (runs in families)
Because no one knows for sure what causes fibroids, we also don't know what causes them to grow or shrink. We do know that they are under hormonal control -- both estrogen and progesterone. They grow rapidly during pregnancy, when hormone levels are high. They shrink when anti-hormone medication is used. They also stop growing or shrink once a woman reaches menopause.
This answer is based on source information from National Women's Health Information Center.The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nor does the contents of this website constitute the establishment of a physician patient or therapeutic relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
No one knows for sure what causes fibroids. Researchers think that more than one factor could play a role. These factors could be: Hormonal (affected by estrogen and progesterone levels) Genetic (runs in families) Because no one knows for sure... More
