What if those silently growing tumours in your uterus could reveal more about your health than you thought? Uterine fibroids are benign tumours that often go unnoticed but could affect a woman's quality of life. Knowing the risk factors can help with early detection and improved treatment. What is outlined below explains what could increase your chances of having fibroids and why it is worth knowing.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumours that grow in and around the uterus. They are common among women in the reproductive age group of 16-50 years. They are also known as uterine myomas or leiomyomas. They can be of varying sizes and do not generally show any symptoms. But in women with symptoms, they can lead to:
The exact reason fibroids occur is unknown, but they are primarily associated with genetics and hormone levels in the body. Understanding the risk factors and early detection are essential for better management of the condition.
Konar H, Dutta DC, editors. Benign Lesions of the Uterus. In: D C Dutta’s Textbook of Gynecology. 6th ed. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.; 2013. Chapter 19. [cited 2025 Jun 21]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.5005/jp/books/12047_19
They are the most common type of fibroids and occur on the uterine wall muscle. They can be asymptomatic until they become large.
They are commonly found in the broad ligament that supports the uterus. These fibroids are located in the connective tissue adjacent to the uterus rather than inside the lining or muscle wall of the uterus.
These occur on the surface of the uterus or grow from outside the uterus into the pelvis. They can become large.
These fibroids occur in the muscle layer beneath the inner lining of the uterus and grow into the uterine cavity. Small lesions of this type can sometimes lead to bleeding and infertility.
When subserosal or submucosal fibroids are attached to the uterus by a narrow stalk of tissue, they are called pedunculated fibroids.
Female hormones oestrogen and progesterone are involved in the development of uterine fibroids. Higher levels of oestrogen and lower levels of progesterone lead to the occurrence of fibroids. Higher testosterone levels, a male hormone produced naturally in small amounts, are also associated with fibroids.
Women with a family history of uterine fibroids tend to have a higher risk of developing fibroids in their lifetime. If your mother, sister, or grandmother had fibroids, it means you have a higher chance of acquiring them. A recent study indicated that genetics plays a significant role in the development of fibroids and identified specific genetic markers that might offer protection against fibroids.1
Although fibroids can develop among women of reproductive age from 16 years and above, they are more common in older women in the age group of 30-50 years. It is reported that the early onset of menarche in girls can lead to a higher risk of fibroids. At the same time, there has been a natural shrinking of fibroids in women after menopause.
Ethnicity and race also have a role in the development of fibroids among women. African American individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) are likely to develop fibroids at a much higher rate than any other race. Genetics and a lack of vitamin D contribute to this predisposition. A recent study indicated a significant difference between gene expression in the myometrial tissues of patients of African and European ancestry, which may contribute to fibroid development.2
Having a higher BMI leads to a higher risk of developing fibroids. This is because excess weight causes the production of certain hormones, thereby helping stem cells to develop into fibroids. A recent study confirmed that obesity creates a favourable uterine environment for fibroid development through oxidative stress, DNA damage, increased proliferation, and extracellular matrix deposition.3 Lifestyle factors, such as a lack of physical activity, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption, are also associated with a higher risk of fibroid development.
Following a proper and balanced diet is imperative to good health. Increased consumption of red meat and full-fat dairy products is linked to a higher incidence of fibroids among women. It has been reported that women with a low intake of fruits and green vegetables are at an increased risk of fibroid formation. Low vitamin D levels and food pollutants may also increase the risk of fibroids.4
Women who become pregnant and give birth to children are less prone to fibroids when compared to women who don’t. Also, those who use oral contraceptives tend to have less severe symptoms of fibroids, such as heavy bleeding. Contraceptive use among women aged 30-40 years has shown a decreased probability of fibroid development5.
Certain toxic chemicals, such as phthalates and endocrine disruptors, are also linked to an increased risk of fibroids. Research has reported fibroids in women with chronic exposures to chemicals in cosmetics and beauty products6.
Yes, fibroids are quite common and occur in about 40-80% of women during their reproductive age. It does not generally develop in younger girls before puberty or in older women after menopause.
Fibroids are diagnosed by routine pelvic exams using pelvic ultrasound, MRI scans, or hysteroscopy.
If there are no symptoms, your doctor may suggest watchful waiting. But in cases of severe symptoms, medicinal or surgical interventions are preferred. Medicinal options include anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Hormonal treatments such as oral contraceptives, GnRH analogues, and progesterone-containing agents are also used to control bleeding and treat anaemia.. Surgical options include different types of myomectomy, uterine artery embolisation, and hysterectomy.
Having fibroids does not necessarily affect your fertility and pregnancy. However, the location of fibroids is a deciding factor. Submucosal fibroids interfere with fertilisation and the IVF success rate more than other types of fibroids. Fibroids can affect pregnancy, including breech position, fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, preterm delivery, and even miscarriage in rare cases.
All fibroids are generally benign and non-cancerous. Fibroids do not turn into any type of cancer, but in rare cases, they can become cancerous, called leiomyosarcoma.
No home remedies can treat fibroids, but certain steps can help restore hormonal balance in the body and help alleviate fibroid symptoms. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and proper intake of vitamin D are important. Flaxseeds and soya, green tea, and chasteberry also help maintain estrogen levels.
In extreme cases, fibroids can lead to severe anaemia as a result of heavy bleeding. In pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage depending on the type of fibroids.
When fibroids shrink, you may experience fewer symptoms, such as less bleeding. Sometimes, you may experience pain. It is always recommended to consult and confirm with your healthcare provider in such situations.
If heavy bleeding is the concern, medications would be the ideal choice. In the case of large-sized fibroids or if you are concerned about pregnancy, then surgical intervention will help.
Uterine fibroids are non-malignant growths in the uterus and are common among women in the reproductive age group of 30-50 years. They occur as a result of hormonal changes and genetic factors. Mostly, fibroids are not a cause of concern and do not show symptoms. But in severe cases, symptoms such as heavy bleeding and lower abdominal pain can significantly affect the quality of life in women. Awareness of the associated risk factors and early detection can help manage fibroids effectively. Regular exercise and a few positive changes in lifestyle, including a balanced diet and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, are some of the hacks to deal with them. It is necessary to educate the younger generation early on to manage the condition better when the time comes.
