The exact cause of uterine fibroids remains unknown. However, research strongly suggests that several factors may play a role in their development.
Contributing Factors to Fibroid Growth
- Genetics: A family history of fibroids increases the risk of developing them, indicating a genetic component.
- Hormones: Prolonged exposure to estrogen, a key female reproductive hormone, is believed to significantly influence fibroid growth. This is supported by the observation that fibroids often shrink after menopause when estrogen levels naturally decline.
- Abnormal Cell Development: Studies suggest that fibroids may originate from an abnormal muscle cell within the uterus, which then multiplies.
- Other factors: While not definitively proven, other factors like growth hormones and the presence of misplaced cells in the body before birth are also being investigated as potential contributors.
While these factors are associated with an increased risk, they do not guarantee the development of fibroids. Many women with these risk factors never develop fibroids, and many women with fibroids have no known risk factors.
It's important to note that fibroids are benign tumors, meaning they are not cancerous and do not typically increase the risk of uterine cancer.
