Uterine Fibroids (cont.)
Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. Medical Editor:
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhDDr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications. IN THIS ARTICLE
Uterine Fibroid CausesThe exact reasons why some women develop fibroids are unknown. Fibroids tend to run in families, and affected women often have a family history of fibroids. Women of African descent are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids than women of other races. Fibroids grow in response to stimulation by the hormone estrogen, produced naturally in the body. These growths can show up as early as age 20 and shrink after menopause when the body stops producing large amounts of estrogen. Fibroids can be tiny and cause no problems, but they also can grow to weigh several pounds. Fibroids grow slowly. The following factors have been associated with the presence of fibroids:
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Viewer Comments & ReviewsUterine Fibroids - Describe Your ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Please describe your experience with uterine fibroids (benign tumors of the uterus). Uterine Fibroids - ExperiencesThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Did you have your uterine fibroids removed? Describe your experience. |
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Uterine Fibriod Embolization »
Uterine leiomyomas, better known as uterine fibroids, are benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus.
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