Uterine Fibroids
Definition
Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas or myomas) are benign growths of the muscle inside the uterus. They are not cancerous, nor are they related to cancer. Fibroids can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding and pressure on the pelvis.
Description
Uterine fibroids are extremely common. About 25% of women in their reproductive years have noticeable fibroids. There are probably many more women who have tiny fibroids that are undetected.
Fibroids develop in women between the ages of 30–50. They are never seen in women younger than 20 years old. After menopause, if a woman does not take estrogen, fibroids shrink. It appears that African American women are much more likely to develop uterine fibroids.
...[The entire page is 2052 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
