Uterine Fibroids
Alternate Names : Leiomyoma, Myoma, Fibromyoma
A uterine fibroid is a noncancerous growth in the wall of the uterus. A fibroid can be any size from microscopic to as large as a cantaloupe.
What is going on in the body?
Fibroids are firm, round lumps that often occur in groups on the uterine wall. They are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue. Fibroids usually grow very slowly in the wall of the uterus. They respond to increased levels of estrogen, one of the female hormones. Increased hormone levels in some conditions can increase the rate of the fibroid's growth. These conditions include the following:
hormone replacement therapy for menopause
oral contraceptives, or birth control pills
pregnancy
After menopause, fibroids may shrink or disappear completely.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
No clear cause of uterine fibroids is known. Research indicates that fibroids may be influenced by estrogen and progesterone, but hormones are not the cause of fibroids. Fibroids are diagnosed in black women two to three times more often than in white women.
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