Causes of Uterine Fibroids | Fibroids in Uterus

Causes of Fibroids in Uterus

• Fibroids may run in families. Most affected women have a family history of fibroids.
• Women of African races are more likely to develop fibroids.
• Fibroids occur in the reproductive age. This is believed to be because of the influence of ovarian hormones (especially oestrogen) on the growth of fibroids. Females who have reached menopause rarely get fibroids.

• Early age of menarche (The first occurrence of menstruation) is associated with increased risk.
• Never having given birth to a child (called nulliparity) is a risk factor. Increasing parity (the number of liveborn children) is protective against fibroids.
• Overweight women are at increased risk.
• Cigarette smoking that drains one's weight may hence reduce the risk.

Reference:

1. Shaw's Textbook of Gynecology, 14/E by V.G. Padubidri, Shirish N. Daftary
2. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy Eighteenth Edition