Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. These growths are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size from the shape of a tiny pea to a large melon.
Fibroids are quite common, especially among women of reproductive age. According to the Office on Women’s Health, up to 80% of women will develop fibroids by the age of fifty. However, most women are usually diagnosed in their 30s and 40s.
How Common Are Fibroids?
Despite their prevalence, many women are unaware they have fibroids because they do not always cause symptoms. In cases when symptoms do occur, they can vary widely depending on the size, number, and location of the fibroids. For example, those with larger fibroids that press on surrounding tissues may experience heavier symptoms than those with smaller fibroids.
Known Risk Factors for Fibroids
While the exact cause of fibroids is unknown, several factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing them. Here are some of the known risk factors:
- Age – Fibroids are more common as women age, particularly from the 30s through the early 50s. After menopause, fibroids often shrink due to a decrease in hormone levels.
- Family History – If your mother or sister had fibroids, you are more likely to develop them.
- Ethnicity – African American women are more likely to develop fibroids and to have them at a younger age, often with more severe symptoms than women of other ethnicities.
- Obesity – Being overweight increases the risk of fibroids. Studies suggest that very overweight women are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids.
- Diet – High consumption of red meat has been linked to an increased risk of fibroids, whereas a diet high in green vegetables seems to be protective.
