What are fibroids?
Fibroids are the most common type of abnormal growth in the uterus and the most common reason for hysterectomy in U.S. women. Although fibroids are benign, or non-cancerous, their symptoms and side effects can include pelvic pain, heavy bleeding and infertility. The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but experts suspect the female hormone estrogen plays an instrumental role in the formation of fibroids. Typically, fibroids worsen as a woman enters her 30s and 40s. Then, when estrogen levels drop at menopause, fibroids may shrink. Fibroids can range in size from smaller than an apple seed (1/4 inch) to larger than a cantaloupe (greater than 10 inches), and can be found anywhere within or on the uterus.
