Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Uterine Fibroids
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
A uterine fibroid is a noncancerous growth in the wall of the uterus. A fibroid can be any size from microscopic to as large as a cantaloupe.
What is going on in the body?
Fibroids are firm, round lumps that often occur in groups on the uterine wall. They are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue. Fibroids usually grow very slowly in the wall of the uterus. They respond to increased levels of estrogen, one of the female hormones. Increased hormone levels in some conditions can increase the rate of the fibroid's growth. These conditions include the following:
After menopause, fibroids may shrink or disappear completely.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
No clear cause of uterine fibroids is known. Research indicates that fibroids may be influenced by estrogen and progesterone, but hormones are not the cause of fibroids. Fibroids are diagnosed in black women two to three times more often than in white women.