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 child-bearing years. After menopause, when hormone levels decline, fibroids usually shrink or disappear.

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Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW	Last Updated: October 8, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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