Uterine Fibroids

Cause

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not known. Fibroids begin when cells overgrow in the muscular wall of the uterus.

After a fibroid develops, the hormones estrogen and progesterone appear to influence its growth.1 A woman's body produces the highest levels of these hormones during her childbearing years. After menopause, when hormone levels decline, fibroids usually shrink or disappear.


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Author: Kathe Gallagher, MSWLast Updated: August 16, 2007
Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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