What Are Uterine Fibroids and How Do They Develop?
Uterine Fibroids, also known as Myomas or Leiomyomas, are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They are the most common type of pelvic tumor in women, often appearing during the childbearing years. The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood, but their growth is influenced by hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, which stimulate the growth of uterine tissue. Genetic factors also play a role, as women with a family history of fibroids are more likely to develop them. Other factors such as race, age, and lifestyle choices can also affect the likelihood of developing fibroids, with African American women being more prone to larger or more symptomatic fibroids.
Fibroids can vary in size, from tiny seedlings to large masses that can distort the shape of the Uterus. They can be located in different parts of the uterus, including the submucosal (beneath the uterine lining), intramural (within the uterine wall), or subserosal (on the outer wall of the uterus). While many women with fibroids experience no symptoms, others may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, or reproductive issues. The development of fibroids is often linked to hormonal imbalances, and as such, their growth can continue during reproductive years but typically shrinks after menopause when hormone levels decrease.
