Quick Facts
Which of the following is another name for fibroids?
myomas
leiomyomas
leiomyomata uteri
all of the above

Understanding Fibroids

If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you may be wondering what that means, and what you need to do next. This section provides a detailed overview of the condition, including common symptoms and complications, as well as diagnosis methods. Being knowledgeable can help you communicate better with your doctor and make informed decisions about your fibroids treatment.

What are fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are growths, or tumors, that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They may also be called myomas, leiomyomas, leiomyomata uteri, or simply fibroids. Fibroids are generally benign—that is, they are not cancerous (malignant). A woman may have just one fibroid, or many.

Fibroids are the most common kind of growths of the uterus. In fact, it is believed that approximately 20 to 30% of women have fibroids.

Size and location of fibroids

Uterine fibroids can range in size, for example from as small as a grape (less than 1 inch) to larger than a melon. They can appear:

  • Beneath the outer surface of the uterus
  • Totally within the wall of the uterus
  • Inside the uterus

What causes fibroids?

Not much is known about the cause of fibroids, but evidence suggests that their growth is related to estrogen and possibly other hormones. In fact, increased levels of these hormones may speed up the growth rate of fibroids.

Changes in estrogen and fibroid growth

Estrogen levels in the body may go up or down for a number of reasons. For example, estrogen levels rise and fall during the menstrual cycle. If you are pregnant or taking certain kinds of birth control pills, your estrogen level increases. When you enter menopause, your level decreases as your body stops producing estrogen. As a result, fibroids tend to be less of a problem at this stage of a woman's life.

Risk factors for developing fibroids

Even though the medical community is not completely certain what causes fibroids and why some women have them and others don’t, there do seem to be factors that may play a role.

Age

 Middle-aged women are commonly diagnosed with fibroids

Weight

 Overweight women are at a higher risk for fibroids

Race

 African-American women tend to have the highest frequency of fibroids, although fibroids have been found in women of all ethnic backgrounds

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Questions About Fibroids

Questions About Fibroids

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Interactive Learning

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Interactive Learning: Uterine Fibroids gives you a detailed view of fibroid locations and types, as well as methods of testing for fibroids.
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©2004, 2008 Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, U.S.A.

Other Important Information:

Lupron Depot® (3.75 mg and - 3 Month 11.25 mg), in combination with iron, is used for the preoperative treatment of anemia associated with uterine fibroids. Most common side effects with Lupron Depot are generally those related to low estrogen levels, including hot flashes, headaches, and vaginal dryness. A small amount of bone loss (average 2.7% at month three) may also occur during therapy.

For further information about Lupron Depot, please see the complete Prescribing Information, as well as the Patient Product Information.