Uterine Fibroids

What Increases Your Risk

Factors that increase a woman's risk of developing uterine fibroids include:¹

• Age. Fibroids become more common as women age, especially from the 30s and 40s through menopause. About 80% of women develop uterine fibroids by the time they reach age 50.⁴ After menopause, fibroids usually shrink.
• Family history. Having a family member with fibroids increases your risk.
• Ethnic origin. Black women are more likely to develop fibroids than white women.
• Obesity.⁶

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