Risk factors for uterine fibroids

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Le Thi Phuong - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital

Uterine fibroids are smooth muscle tumours, the most common benign tumor in the uterus. Uterine fibroids can cause many dangerous complications to women's health such as: menstrual disorders, frequent urination, difficulty urinating... So what is the cause of uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are small tumors that form and grow from the muscular layer of the uterus. Uterine fibroids can have one or more tumors, varying in diameter from a few millimeters to several tens of millimeters. Uterine fibroids are benign and do not usually develop into cancer. However, if there are abnormalities such as menstrual disorders, frequent urination, difficulty urinating... are the causes of uterine fibroids that have caused complications affecting health.

The cause of uterine fibroids is still unknown, many researchers believe that the cause of the disease is due to the high levels of estrogen in the body secreted and active, leading to the proliferation of muscle and mucosal tissues. uterus. Therefore, uterine fibroids can shrink and atrophy when a woman has reached menopause.
However, many researchers have also shown that uterine fibroids are related to reproductive health: multiple miscarriages, infertility, infertility, women with few births... are at risk of causing uterine fibroids. .

3.1. Genetic changes In fibroids there are genetic changes that are different from those of normal uterine muscle cells. Some studies also show that uterine fibroids run in families. If your mother or sister has fibroids in your family, you should also be on the lookout for these tumors. And identical twins are more likely to have fibroids than fraternal twins.
3.2. Hormonal changes The change in the two hormones estrogen and progesterone is the main cause of uterine fibroids. The increased levels of these two hormones are responsible for the appearance and growth of fibroids. So, during menopause, fibroids also tend to shrink.
3.3. Skin color Many studies show that the incidence of uterine fibroids in black women is 2 to 3 times higher than in other racial groups. According to Dr. John C. Lipman, Medical Director and Diagnostic Imaging of the Interventional Institute of Atlanta (USA) said: “Uterine fibroids are benign diseases, uterine tumors are a common condition in women. women and African-American women are more common than in other racial groups. "Of the women with uterine fibroids, 80 percent are African-American," he adds.
Furthermore, black women are also more likely to develop multiple fibroids, which are larger in size and more likely to cause severe pain. Even the age of uterine fibroids in black women is younger than that of other skin colors, possibly from the age of 20. While in white women, uterine fibroids are common in the 30s to the 30s. 40 years old.
3.4. Pregnancy During pregnancy, a woman's body increases production of estrogen and progesterone. As a result, fibroids can grow and grow rapidly during pregnancy. During the first trimester of pregnancy, the tumor can increase by a third in size and after birth it tends to shrink.

3.5. Body weight Some studies suggest that obesity may play a role in fibroid development. This is especially important for African-American women because they are at a higher risk of being overweight and obese than white women.
3.6. Lifestyle A study has shown that regular exercise and a healthy diet can reduce the risk of uterine fibroids, in studies also show that people who drink alcohol are often at risk. more uterine fibroids.
Currently the cause of uterine fibroids is still unknown, some studies suggest that women with high estrogen levels have a higher risk of developing uterine fibroids, so you should go for regular check-ups to detect them. disease as soon as possible.
In order to help customers detect and treat gynecological diseases early, Vinmec International General Hospital has a package of basic gynecological examination and screening, helping customers detect early infectious diseases and help treat Easy, inexpensive treatment. Screening detects gynecological cancer (cervical cancer) early even when there are no symptoms.

Basic gynecological examination and screening package for female customers, has no age limit and may have the following symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding Having menstrual problems: period abnormally long periods, irregular menstrual periods Abnormal vaginal discharge (smell, different color) Vaginal pain and itching Female clients have several risk factors such as poor personal hygiene, Unsafe sex system, abortion, ... Female customers have other symptoms such as: abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, pain in the intimate area, abnormal vaginal bleeding.