Uterine fibroids are benign smooth muscle tumors that originate in the myometrium. Most uterine fibroids do not cause obvious symptoms and are often found during a female physical examination. A small number of patients are diagnosed because of increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual period, or symptoms such as frequent urination, constipation, waist soreness, or a lump found in the lower abdomen to seek medical attention.
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is still unknown, but its occurrence is generally considered to be closely related to the following five factors.
1. Age
Age is a key factor in the formation of uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are more common in women who have given birth between the ages of 30 and 50, and are relatively rare under the age of 20.
2. Hormone
Estrogen is the main reason for the growth of fibroids. Women who have given birth are more often, it is related to the high hormone environment during pregnancy.
3. Obesity
Obesity can cause metabolic disorders, leading to lack of periodic regulation of progesterone, which in turn causes abnormal menstrual cycles, affects ovulation, and increases the risk of uterine fibroids.
4. Excessive anxiety
This is a common problem for many women in the workplace. Tight work rhythm, excessive pressure or family discord, emotional trauma, poor mood, etc., may cause ovarian dysfunction, leading to uterine fibroids.
5. Eating supplements indiscriminately
For beauty, some women often eat supplements that contain estrogen-like effects. Long-term consumption can cause excessive estrogen. Studies have found, that women who use hormone replacement therapy after menopause have a significantly higher incidence of uterine fibroids.
Although it is currently believed that uterine fibroids are not hereditary, from medical research, there is indeed family clustering.
