Fibroids
Overview
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb (uterus).
Causes
The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but they have been linked to the hormone oestrogen. Oestrogen is the female reproductive hormone produced by the ovaries (the female reproductive organs). Fibroids usually develop during a woman's reproductive years (from around the age of 16 to 50) when oestrogen levels are at their highest. They tend to shrink when oestrogen levels are low, such as after themenopausewhen a woman's monthlyperiodstops. Fibroids are common, with around 2 in 3 women developing at least 1 fibroid at some point in their life. They most often occur in women aged 30 to 50. Fibroids are thought to develop more frequently in women of African-Caribbean origin. It's also thought they occur more often in overweight orobesewomen because being overweight increases the level of oestrogen in the body. Women who have had children have a lower risk of developing fibroids.