Uterine Fibroid Causes and Risk Factors
Did you know that nearly 80% of women will experience fibroids by the age of 50? It's a very common condition that can cause a range of symptoms, from pain and heavy bleeding to infertility. In some cases, women will suffer in silence for years before discussing their symptoms with their doctor. Read on to learn more about uterine fibroids along with the causes and risk factors.
What Exactly is a Uterine Fibroid?
So, what are fibroids? Fibroids are largely non-malignant tumors in the uterus, which often form during a woman's prime childbearing years. They can vary in size, amount, and position and may cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination.
Understanding What Causes Fibroids
The precise cause of uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, is not fully understood. Though the definitive cause remains elusive, several contributing factors have been identified.
- Hormonal imbalances: Hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, significantly impact the growth and development of the uterus. Any disruption or imbalance in these hormones could potentially lead to the formation of fibroids.
- Genetic predisposition: A family history of fibroids has been found to increase the likelihood of being affected by this condition. Research shows that genetic components might contribute to the development of uterine fibroids. If a woman has close relatives, such as a mother or sister, who have been diagnosed with fibroids, her risk of developing them is higher.
While hormonal imbalances and family history are considered contributing factors, they do not guarantee the development of uterine fibroids. Many women who do not have any of these risk factors still develop fibroids, while others who have several risk factors may never experience any symptoms.
Am I at Risk for Fibroids?
Several conditions can raise the risk of developing symptomatic uterine fibroids.
- Being of childbearing age: Being between 30 and 40 years of age is considered a risk factor for developing symptomatic uterine fibroids. While the exact reason for this association is not fully understood, hormonal changes and genetic factors may play a role.
- Obesity: High body mass index (BMI) is another issue that can increase the likelihood of developing uterine fibroids. Obesity is known to be linked with hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated estrogen levels, which can contribute to the growth of fibroids.
- Hypertension: Unmanaged high blood pressure is also associated with an increased risk of developing symptomatic uterine fibroids.
- Never been pregnant: A lack of a pregnancy history is considered a risk factor for uterine fibroids. Women who have never been pregnant or have had few pregnancies have a higher likelihood of developing fibroids.
Additionally, Black women experience fibroids in significantly greater numbers than women in other racial categories.
Regular check-ups and discussions with healthcare professionals are essential for monitoring and managing potential risks. If you are suffering from fibroid symptoms, check with your doctor to see if uterine fibroid embolization might be right for you.
Houston Fibroids: Effective, Non-Surgical Fibroid Intervention
Houston Fibroids is a leading provider of minimally invasive treatment options for symptomatic fibroids. With a team of highly skilled and experienced specialists, we are proud to offer innovative and effective solutions to help our patients find relief from the symptoms caused by fibroids.
If you're dealing with symptoms of uterine fibroids, turn to us for effective non-surgical fibroid treatment. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and start feeling like yourself again.
