When you get diagnosed with a medical condition, you may wonder why. You may want to know what factors put you at risk of developing it and what, if anything, could worsen your symptoms. Unfortunately, for fibroid patients, these questions are not always easy to answer. Even uterine fibroid embolization Houston, TX specialists do not know the exact cause of the formation of uterine fibroids. That said, the following factors are thought to increase your risk of developing this condition.
Hormones and Age
Progesterone and estrogen hormones are crucial to your reproductive health. They determine fertility, influence pregnancy, and regulate monthly ovulation and menstruation cycles. However, according to a 2011 Journal of Reproductive Infertility review, they may also promote the growth of uterine fibroids. The study shows an increase in fibroid growth when progesterone and estrogen levels are elevated. Since your exposure to these hormones increases with age, older women are also at a higher risk of developing fibroids than their younger counterparts.
Fertility
Scientists believe the number of children you have can dictate your risk of developing fibroids. Women with more children are at a lower risk than those with few or no children, otherwise called nulliparous women. Per a 2016 International Journal of Fertility and Sterility review, lactation and pregnancy are associated with a lower risk of fibroids due to reduced exposure to monthly cycles during pregnancy. The study also affirms that more fibroids cases are of nulliparous women.
Genetics
Uterine fibroids have a genetic component, as shown by a 2018 Nature Communications study. This means that you are more likely to develop this condition if you have a family history of it, such as a mother with fibroids. According to the study, women with a higher risk of developing fibroids have similar genetic abnormalities that also predispose them to other hormonally-related tumors.
Race
While health experts do not understand why African American women have a two to three times higher risk of developing uterine fibroids than white women. When a 2014 review of studies adjusted the data for other predisposing factors, it still found that these women were three times more likely to develop the condition. The study also shows that African American women present with larger growths.
Other Risk Factors
In addition to race, age, genetics, and fertility, factors like your diet can increase your risk of developing fibroids. A 2021 study review found possible associations between the condition and diets low in vitamin D, fruits, and vegetables and high in dairy. Women who start their menstruation cycle early may also be at an elevated risk for uterine fibroids. This is thought to be due to the increased exposure to the hormones discussed earlier – estrogen and progesterone.
Discuss Uterine Fibroids Treatment with a Specialist
Did you know that about 3 in every 10 women between 30 and 45 have uterine fibroids? Some predisposing factors like age, genetics, hormones, and race are beyond your control. In the end, there is very little you can do to lower your risk in this regard. However, you can slow the growth of fibroids or manage your symptoms by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking minimally-invasive fibroid treatments like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Contact a specialist to learn more today.
