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Aetiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Aetiolgy is unknown. Many genetic and environmental factors have been shown to influence fibroid formation.

Recognised risk factors for the development of uterine fibroids include:

  • race
    • higher incidence is seen in black and Asian women than in white women
  • genetic
    • a considerable genetic influence has been reported especially for early onset disease
    • first degree relatives have a 2.5 fold increased risk while the risk increase six fold in early onset cases
  • age
    • rare before menarche
    • risk increases with age during reproductive years
    • seldom develop or enlarge after the menopause unless stimulated by exogenous oestrogens
  • early menarche – before 11 years
  • pregnancy
    • lower rates of fibroid is seen in full term pregnancy
    • more common in nulliparous women, and in those who have not been pregnant for some time
  • hormonal contraception
    • reduced risk seen with progestin only injectable contraceptives and oral contraceptives
  • obesity
    • 2-3 times more common
  • dietary
    • excessive consumption of beef and ham is associated with an increased risk
    • diet consisting of green vegetables has been shown to decrease the risk
  • clinical conditions
    • hypertension
    • diabetes
    • occur with increased frequency in conjunction with endometrial hyperplasia and granulosa cell tumours of the ovary
  • smoking
    • appears to decrease the risk of fibroid formation and growth (1,2,3)

Note:

  • pre-existing fibroids may increase in size if the woman uses the oral contraceptive pill and during pregnancy (because of stimulation by oestrogen)
  • there is no evidence to confirm that dietary changes after presentation and diagnosis of fibroid will influence patient’s symptoms

Reference:


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