Uterine fibroids are common benign, or non-cancerous, tumors that can occur in menstruating women. Approximately one in five women develops fibroids during their childbearing years, according to Medline Plus. Fibroids usually affect women over age 30, but in some rare cases they can affect women under 20. While the exact cause of uterine fibroid tumors is unknown, a combination of genetics, hormones and environmental stressors appear to play a significant role in the development of the condition.
Genetics
Genes play a significant role in the development of uterine fibroid tumors. Women with a close female relative with fibroids tumors are more likely to develop uterine fibroids than women who do not have a family history of them, suggesting that the condition is hereditary. The MayoClinic.com states that some women may experience cellular changes within the uterus that increase the likelihood that their uterine cells will eventually transform into muscle-like growths. The website Healthline suggests that certain inherited proteins may be responsible for some of the uterine cell abnormalities associated with uterine muscle overgrowth and fibroids.
Hormones
Uterine fibroid tumors can be caused by estrogen dominance, according to the website Uterine Fibroid Education. Estrogen dominance occurs when there is more estrogen in the body than progesterone, causing a hormonal imbalance. Processed foods, body lotions and/or laundry detergents can mimic estrogen and trigger uterine fibroid growths in some women. Fibroids usually grow as long as a woman’s hormones fluctuate and she menstruates. Menopausal women may experience a decline in fibroid growth or shrinkage in existing fibroids due to the sharp decline in hormones that occurs during and following menopause.
Abnormal Proteins
The website Healthline suggests that certain proteins called growth factors may be responsible for some of the cell abnormalities that trigger excess tissue growth in the uterus. Growth factors are special proteins that are responsible for cell growth. These proteins encourage fibroid tumors by stimulating cells changes within the uterus that can cause fibroid growths. The MayoClinic.com states that insulin growth-factors, which help maintain body tissues, can also contribute to fibroid tumors.
