Uterine fibroids are growths in the wall of the uterus. This is the organ where the fetus develops. Fibroids vary in size from very small, 1 inch or less (the size of a pea), to 8 or more inches (the size of a grapefruit). These growths are not cancerous. People usually have more than one fibroid.
The cause of this problem is not known. Genetics may play a role.
Fibroid growth is stimulated by estrogen and progesterone hormones. This causes fibroids to grow during pregnancy and shrink after childbirth. It also causes them to become less of a problem after menopause.
Uterine Fibroid |
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References
Uterine fibroids. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/uterine-fibroids. Accessed May 9, 2022.
Uterine fibroids fact sheet. Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services website. Available at: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids. Accessed May 9, 2022.
Uterine leiomyoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/uterine-leiomyoma. Accessed May 9, 2022.