Diseases
uterine fibroids
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas, uterine fibroids aren't associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer.
Symptoms
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- menstrual periods lasting more than a week
- frequent urination
- pelvic pressure or pain
- difficulty emptying the bladder
Causes
- genetic changes. many fibroids contain changes in genes that differ from those in typical uterine muscle cells.
- hormones. estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate development of the uterine lining
- other growth factors. substances that help the body maintain tissues, such as insulin-like growth factor
Risk factors
- race
- heredity
- obesity.
Diagnosis
- magnetic resonance imaging (mri)
- ultrasound
- lab tests.
- hysteroscopy
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas, uterine fibroids aren't associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer.
What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual periods lasting more than a week, frequent urination, pelvic pressure or pain, difficulty emptying the bladder
What causes uterine fibroids?
genetic changes. many fibroids contain changes in genes that differ from those in typical uterine muscle cells.; hormones. estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate development of the uterine lining; other growth factors. substances that help the body maintain tissues, such as insulin-like growth factor
Which medicines are used for uterine fibroids?
tranexamic acid
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