Why Do Uterine Fibroids Form? 10 Hypothesis

Maybe uterine fibroids aren’t something we’ve given much thought to. However, if you’re a woman towards the end of the childbearing years, you’ve very certainly already had Uterine Fibroids (even if you didn’t realize it). These noncancerous, frequently asymptomatic growths typically arise in women in their 30’s and 40’s, and an estimated 80% of women have at least one by the time they turn 50. Although the exact etiology of these growths (which range in size from a pebble to a grapefruit) is unknown, there are several hypothesis.

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1. Hormone Problems

Reproductive hormone levels, on the other hand, may play a role in the formation of uterine fibroids. If estrogen levels are too high, it can lead to fibroid growth, and if you don’t have enough progesterone, the body won’t be able to stop it; progesterone not only reduces the impact of estrogen on developing fibroids but may also reduce the size of existing fibroids.

2. Genetics

When it comes to UF, it turns out that understanding your family history is crucial. if your mother has ever had uterine fibroids, your chances of getting them during your childbearing years are three times higher than typical. Furthermore, when one sibling has fibroids, identical twins have a two-to-three times higher risk of fibroids than non-identical twins.

3. Early Menarche

(menstruation before the age of 12) Girls who start their periods early have more monthly periods over the course of their lives, this can lead to higher lifetime exposure to estrogen, which has been found to stimulate the growth of uterine fibroids.

4. Excessive Menstrual Flow

Menstrual periods that are heavier and protracted are frequently linked to UF, but it’s vital to distinguish cause from effect in this circumstance. While strong flow and more days of bleeding than usual do not cause fibroids to form, they are both common signs of uterine fibroids.
Fibroids can also cause periods to be missed. It’s important to remember that significant blood loss might lead to anemia (low iron, which can cause fatigue, heart issues, and other health problems). Ask your OB/GYN about uterine fibroids and have your iron levels checked if your periods are extremely heavy.

5. Diet

Diets high in fatty meals, such as red meat, may lead to the development of UF. This is assumed to be due in part to a lack of fiber in the gut that binds estrogen. Due to mammalian hormones and saturated fats, red meat promotes the formation of fibroids. However, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (especially citrus fruits, apples, cabbage, broccoli, and tomatoes, as well as plant-based whole foods), as well as plant-based whole foods, may reduce your risk of getting fibroids.

6. Vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is being studied to see if it can reduce the chance of getting UF. Women aged 35 to 49 who have normal vitamin D levels had a 32% lower risk of acquiring UF than those who are vitamin D deficient, possibly because vitamin D has been found to suppress UF growth. Consult your doctor about taking a supplement; 600 IU of supplementary D per day is suggested for women aged 14 to 70. Women aged 71 and up should consume 800 IU per day.

7. Obesity

The body mass index (BMI) is a measure of a person’s health based on their height and weight. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or greater, and research reveals that obese people are more prone to acquire UF.
The risk of fibroids was enhanced by higher estrogen levels reported in women with extra body weight.

8. Pregnancy

While pregnancy and fibroids frequently come together, your UF is not caused by being pregnant. Pregnancy does not produce fibroids, however, pregnant hormones might cause existing fibroids to expand. During pregnancy, fibroids can lose their blood supply and cause pain. Fibroids can also affect pregnancy outcomes, such as raising the risk of miscarriage or changing the baby’s position in the womb.

9. Pollutants in the Environment

High levels of air pollution have been linked to an increased risk of UF. The same may be said for heavy metals and POPs, which are harmful chemicals similar to DDT. This and other pesticides, cosmetic chemicals, and plastic items may all have a major impact on the occurrence of uterine fibroids, implying that an environmental estrogen may be a risk factor for the formation of UF.

10. Disparities in Race

According to The Fibroid Foundation, up to 80% of Black women will develop fibroids by the age of 50, compared to 50% to 70% of white women. https://www.fibroidfoundation.org/
The disparity could be attributable to systematic racism toward Black patients, which could include a lack of access to care, food deserts and increased obesity rates, distrust of the medical establishment, and institutional racism toward Black patients. All of these factors can make it difficult for Black women to receive sufficient care, resulting in delayed diagnosis of uterine fibroids, allowing them more time to grow and causing additional symptoms, such as discomfort.