Uterine fibroids are common non-cancerous growths that grow either inside or on the outside of the uterus. While often benign, fibroids can cause various symptoms. These fibroid symptoms can range from mild discomfort like pelvic pressure to more severe health complications like heavy bleeding that causes anemia.
Understanding the risk factors for fibroids is essential for early detection and treatment. Identifying potential risks allows for timely diagnosis, helping to prevent symptoms from worsening and reducing the likelihood of complications.
USA Fibroid Centers specializes in Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive treatment that relieves fibroid symptoms and helps you regain control of your health.
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What Are the Common Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids typically develop in individuals of childbearing age and from various backgrounds. However, certain factors may increase the likelihood of their occurrence. Knowing what common uterine fibroid risk factors are can help you assess your level of risk.
Age
Women over 30 are more likely to develop fibroids, with the likelihood increasing as they approach menopause. Fibroids often appear in women over 35 and may continue to grow during these years. However, fibroids can shrink after menopause due to changes in hormone levels.
Family History
Having a close family member with fibroids, particularly a mother or sister, is another one of the risk factors for fibroid tumors developing. Genetics plays a role in fibroid formation, and studies show that women with a family history of fibroids are at a higher risk.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances, specifically estrogen and progesterone, are also risk factors for fibroid development. High estrogen levels stimulate fibroid growth, while lower progesterone levels may fail to counteract this effect. Hormone fluctuations naturally occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
For example, estrogen levels surge during pregnancy but decrease during perimenopause, which may lead to fibroids shrinking and symptoms diminishing. However, this is not guaranteed. Treatments such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) can effectively shrink fibroids.
Ethnicity
One of the other risk factors for uterine fibroids is ethnicity. African American women are more likely to experience fibroid growth than women of different ethnicities. Not only are fibroids more common in African American women, but they also tend to develop at younger ages, grow larger and often cause more severe symptoms.
Obesity
Obesity may be a risk factor for fibroids. Women with higher body fat levels face a two to three times higher risk of developing fibroids than the general population.¹ This connection stems from the role of fat cells in producing estrogen, as higher body fat leads to increased estrogen levels. Maintaining a healthy weight can minimize the impact of estrogen on fibroid growth.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D can act like a hormone within the reproductive system, and research suggests that a deficiency in vitamin D is a significant risk factor for fibroids. While studies are ongoing, preliminary findings indicate that vitamin D3 may help reduce fibroid tumor growth.
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can temporarily promote fibroid growth and exacerbate any symptoms, depending on the size and location of the fibroids. Estrogen and progesterone levels increase significantly to support the growing fetus, and this sudden rise in hormones can cause fibroids to grow more rapidly. One or more of these risk factors can contribute to fibroid growth. If you suspect you have fibroids, consult a fibroid specialist at USA Fibroid Centers to diagnose your symptoms and explore non-surgical treatment options such as UFE.
Are You at High Risk for Uterine Fibroids?
Some women may have more uterine fibroid risk factors, increasing their chances of developing numerous fibroids or severe fibroid-related symptoms. If you have close relatives with fibroids, you may be at higher risk, especially if you are in your 30s and 40s.
Additionally, if you experience symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or frequent urination, you may already have fibroids.
Being proactive is essential if you have one or more of these fibroid risk factors. Consider seeking medical advice from a fibroid specialist to monitor your health and help manage any fibroid growth.
Can You Lower the Risk of Developing Uterine Fibroids?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent fibroids, regular screenings play an important role. Early detection through screenings allows for timely intervention and personalized care, helping you effectively manage potential fibroid-related risks.
Lifestyle choices like maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly may support overall uterine health. However, these measures do not guarantee fibroid prevention, as fibroids can still develop despite a healthy lifestyle.
If you are concerned about your risk, schedule a consultation with a fibroid specialist at USA Fibroid Centers. Preventative screenings and an accurate diagnosis are the most reliable steps to address potential fibroid-related concerns.
Get Personalized Care at USA Fibroid Centers
If you’re experiencing symptoms or have any fibroid risk factors you’re worried about, connect with USA Fibroid Centers today. We aim to help you live life fully, free from debilitating symptoms.
Schedule an appointment with a fibroid expert at USA Fibroid Centers through our 24/7 online portal or by calling 855.615.2555.
FAQs on Risk Factors for Fibroids
Is Nulliparity a Risk Factor for Fibroids?
Yes, nulliparity (having never been pregnant) is considered a risk factor for uterine fibroids. Women who have not been pregnant experience prolonged exposure to unopposed estrogen, which can stimulate fibroid growth.
Pregnancy and lactation reduce the duration of estrogen exposure, while nulliparity often involves longer periods of hormonal stimulation, increasing the likelihood of fibroid development.
Are There Natural Ways to Reduce the Risk of Fibroids?
Generally, a healthy lifestyle can support uterine health but cannot guarantee prevention. If you are experiencing fibroid symptoms, consult a specialist for a proper diagnosis.
Are There Specific Medical Conditions that Increase the Risk of Fibroids?
Some medical conditions, like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and insulin resistance, can increase the chances of fibroid development. Other uterine fibroid risk factors include a family history of fibroids, high blood pressure, vitamin D deficiency, and demographic factors like race and age. More research is needed to identify fibroid risk factors.
If you have any of these risk factors for fibroids or are experiencing any symptoms, schedule an appointment with one of our experts at USA Fibroid Centers for a diagnosis and treatment.
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Sources
- “Uterine Fibroids: Office on Women’s Health,” OASH | Office on Women’s Health, February 19, 2021.