Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCommon CausesGeneticsLifestyle FactorsEffect on Black WomenFrequently Asked QuestionsNext in Uterine Fibroids GuideHow Uterine Fibroids Are Diagnosed
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Common Causes
Genetics
Lifestyle Factors
Effect on Black Women
Frequently Asked Questions
Next in Uterine Fibroids Guide
This article is part ofUterine Fibroids and Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series.
The causes of uterine fibroids are unknown, but there is evidence that multiple factors–such as race, age, family history, the number of micronutrients, and stress—play a role in their growth.
This leads to earlier deterioration of health and quality of life. The cumulative impact of economic, psychosocial, and environmental stresses and the role it plays in the deterioration of a Black woman’s overall health must be discussed when we think about fibroids and Black health.
This article discusses the causes of uterine fibroids, with insights into the effects on Black women.
JGI/Tom Grill / Getty Images
Researchers have come up with a number of theories to explain the cause of uterine fibroids, but they have yet to arrive at a definitive answer.
What we do know is that they are under hormonal control—namelyestrogenandprogesterone.
Fibroid growth varies in pregnancy, but if they do grow this is more likely to happen in the first trimester. They may also stop growing or shrinkonce a woman reaches menopause, although this occurs less frequently in Black women for unknown reasons.
While the definitive cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, most medical professionals believe that there are many different factors at play. Some potential causes include:
Black Women and Uterine Fibroids
The reasons for the disparities are unclear, although research offers some clues. Fibroids have been associated with the following risk factors:
Definitively, there are factors that have been shown to lower the risk of fibroids, such as:
Uterine fibroids are the most common pelvic tumor in women of childbearing age, but their cause remains a mystery. Fortunately, some recent genetic studies have led to some hope for answers.
Cytogenetic studies—which study DNA—have found that up to 40% of uterine fibroids bear some chromosomal abnormalities.
Uterine fibroids arise from an uncontrolled overgrowth of smooth muscle and connective tissue in the uterus. The two components that contribute to this overgrowth are a transformation of normal smooth muscle cells, also known as myocytes, to abnormal smooth muscle cells and their growth into clinically apparent tumors.
The identity of the factors and molecular mechanisms involved in the cellular transformation of myometrial cells into uterine fibroids is unknown, but our knowledge of tumor formation in cancer cells is a strong foundation to build off of.
The development of uterine fibroids involves a complex interaction among genes and environment, but the degree to which this plays a role in disease severity is unknown—leaving many women, especially Black women, searching for answers.
Family History and FibroidsWomen with a first-degree relative with fibroids are three times more likely to develop fibroids compared with women with no family history of fibroids.
Family History and Fibroids
Women with a first-degree relative with fibroids are three times more likely to develop fibroids compared with women with no family history of fibroids.
Research studying affected women and their first-degree relatives who also have uterine fibroids is essential to deciphering the genetic components of uterine fibroids.
This research also needs to be inclusive, with robust and equal representation among women of different races and ethnicities. The availability and examination of such individuals not only hastens cytogenetic and molecular studies but also serves as a crucial component in dissecting and defining the genetic loci that contribute to the development of uterine fibroids.
Diversity in StudiesStudies that focus on racial differences in disease development and treatment are essential, given the health disparities that persist even when differences in socioeconomic status are accounted for.
Diversity in Studies
Studies that focus on racial differences in disease development and treatment are essential, given the health disparities that persist even when differences in socioeconomic status are accounted for.
The following modifiable lifestyle factors have been shown to change your risk for having uterine fibroids:
The disproportionate impact of fibroids on Black women is no secret, and the lack of consensus on its causes and treatment puts Black women at an even greater disadvantage.
Younger Black WomenBlack women are diagnosed more frequently and at younger ages—between 29 and 39—than any other group of women, which underscores the long period of time they deal with their symptoms.
Younger Black Women
Black women are diagnosed more frequently and at younger ages—between 29 and 39—than any other group of women, which underscores the long period of time they deal with their symptoms.
Lower socioeconomic status, higher obesity rates, less access to care, and medical mistrust are just a few of the obstacles further standing in the way.
The propagation of untrue myths about Black pain and neglecting the concerns of Black women have also led some women to normalize their pain. As a result, some Black women are reluctant to engage with the U.S. healthcare system.
Unsurprisingly, these obstacles increase the likelihood of Black women showing up to a clinic with:
A review of 106 studies cited in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) report on uterine fibroids found that nearly one in four studies on uterine fibroids did not include data on the patients’ ethnicity or race. In the studies that did, Black women made up only 15% of study participants.
What causes Black women to develop uterine fibroids?
The main causes of uterine fibroids in Black women are unknown, but it is likely a combination of many factors, such as genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Vitamin D deficiency and hereditary factors have been spotlighted due to the race-based differences that exist in disease prevalence.
What makes fibroids flare up?
Fibroids can flare up for a number of reasons, including:
The symptoms can be so painful that they wake you up at night or impact your ability to complete normal daily activities.
Do fibroids cause miscarriages?
The size and type of fibroid determine how likely your fibroid is to impact your fertility:
How to Get Rid of Fibroids
A Word From Verywell
If you have fibroids, you don’t have to give up activities you enjoy. We understand that those with symptomatic fibroids cannot escape their presence and that finding answers can be frustrating, especially for Black women, who face many obstacles in obtaining equal and appropriate health care. While healthcare providers don’t have all the answers, there are many viable treatments to help mitigate or eliminate fibroids, so we encourage you to get the help you need.
Eliminating systemic racism and socioeconomic gaps is integral to lessening all health gaps, especially the uterine fibroid health gap.
Including Black women in research is central to this process. Inclusive research broadens our medical knowledge and provides us with an opportunity to create more personalized treatment plans that address the unique challenges Black women face. Complicating the process even more is that many Black women with fibroids appear to choose to suffer in silence.
Fortunately, the future of uterine fibroid research has never looked brighter given the increases in medical technology and a renewed spotlight on fibroids' mental and emotional toll.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Prather C, Fuller TR, Jeffries WL, et al.Racism, African American women, and their sexual and reproductive health: a review of historical and contemporary evidence and implications for health equity.Health Equity. 2018;2(1):249-259. doi:10.1089/heq.2017.0045Eltoukhi HM, Modi MN, Weston M, Armstrong AY, Stewart EA.The health disparities of uterine fibroid tumors for African American women: a public health issue.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2014;210(3):194-199. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2013.08.008Uterine fibroids: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus.Uterine fibroids. womenshealth.gov.Giri A, Edwards TL, Hartmann KE, et al.African genetic ancestry interacts with body mass index to modify risk for uterine fibroids. Loos RJF, ed.PLoS Genet. 2017;13(7):e1006871. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1006871Kubínová K, Mára M, Horák P, Kuzel D. [Genetic factors in etiology of uterine fibroids].Ceska Gynekol. 2012;77(1):58-60.Nivethithai P, Nikhat SR, Rajesh BV.Uterine Fibroids: A review.Indian J Pharm Pract. 2010;3(1):6–11.Stewart EA, Nicholson WK, Bradley L, Borah BJ.The burden of uterine fibroids for African-American women: results of a national survey. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2013;22(10):807-16. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4334Ilaria soave, Marci R.From obesity to uterine fibroids: an intricate network. Curr Med Res Opin. 2018;34(11):1877-1879. doi:10.1080/03007995.2018.1505606Tinelli A, Vinciguerra M, Malvasi A, Andjić M, Babović I, Sparić R.Uterine fibroids and diet.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(3):1066. Published 2021 Jan 25. doi:10.3390/ijerph18031066Additional ReadingStewart, E.A. (2015). Uterine fibroids. N Engl J Med, 372, 1646-1655. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1411029
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Prather C, Fuller TR, Jeffries WL, et al.Racism, African American women, and their sexual and reproductive health: a review of historical and contemporary evidence and implications for health equity.Health Equity. 2018;2(1):249-259. doi:10.1089/heq.2017.0045Eltoukhi HM, Modi MN, Weston M, Armstrong AY, Stewart EA.The health disparities of uterine fibroid tumors for African American women: a public health issue.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2014;210(3):194-199. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2013.08.008Uterine fibroids: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus.Uterine fibroids. womenshealth.gov.Giri A, Edwards TL, Hartmann KE, et al.African genetic ancestry interacts with body mass index to modify risk for uterine fibroids. Loos RJF, ed.PLoS Genet. 2017;13(7):e1006871. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1006871Kubínová K, Mára M, Horák P, Kuzel D. [Genetic factors in etiology of uterine fibroids].Ceska Gynekol. 2012;77(1):58-60.Nivethithai P, Nikhat SR, Rajesh BV.Uterine Fibroids: A review.Indian J Pharm Pract. 2010;3(1):6–11.Stewart EA, Nicholson WK, Bradley L, Borah BJ.The burden of uterine fibroids for African-American women: results of a national survey. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2013;22(10):807-16. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4334Ilaria soave, Marci R.From obesity to uterine fibroids: an intricate network. Curr Med Res Opin. 2018;34(11):1877-1879. doi:10.1080/03007995.2018.1505606Tinelli A, Vinciguerra M, Malvasi A, Andjić M, Babović I, Sparić R.Uterine fibroids and diet.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(3):1066. Published 2021 Jan 25. doi:10.3390/ijerph18031066Additional ReadingStewart, E.A. (2015). Uterine fibroids. N Engl J Med, 372, 1646-1655. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1411029
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Prather C, Fuller TR, Jeffries WL, et al.Racism, African American women, and their sexual and reproductive health: a review of historical and contemporary evidence and implications for health equity.Health Equity. 2018;2(1):249-259. doi:10.1089/heq.2017.0045Eltoukhi HM, Modi MN, Weston M, Armstrong AY, Stewart EA.The health disparities of uterine fibroid tumors for African American women: a public health issue.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2014;210(3):194-199. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2013.08.008Uterine fibroids: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus.Uterine fibroids. womenshealth.gov.Giri A, Edwards TL, Hartmann KE, et al.African genetic ancestry interacts with body mass index to modify risk for uterine fibroids. Loos RJF, ed.PLoS Genet. 2017;13(7):e1006871. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1006871Kubínová K, Mára M, Horák P, Kuzel D. [Genetic factors in etiology of uterine fibroids].Ceska Gynekol. 2012;77(1):58-60.Nivethithai P, Nikhat SR, Rajesh BV.Uterine Fibroids: A review.Indian J Pharm Pract. 2010;3(1):6–11.Stewart EA, Nicholson WK, Bradley L, Borah BJ.The burden of uterine fibroids for African-American women: results of a national survey. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2013;22(10):807-16. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4334Ilaria soave, Marci R.From obesity to uterine fibroids: an intricate network. Curr Med Res Opin. 2018;34(11):1877-1879. doi:10.1080/03007995.2018.1505606Tinelli A, Vinciguerra M, Malvasi A, Andjić M, Babović I, Sparić R.Uterine fibroids and diet.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(3):1066. Published 2021 Jan 25. doi:10.3390/ijerph18031066
Prather C, Fuller TR, Jeffries WL, et al.Racism, African American women, and their sexual and reproductive health: a review of historical and contemporary evidence and implications for health equity.Health Equity. 2018;2(1):249-259. doi:10.1089/heq.2017.0045
Eltoukhi HM, Modi MN, Weston M, Armstrong AY, Stewart EA.The health disparities of uterine fibroid tumors for African American women: a public health issue.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2014;210(3):194-199. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2013.08.008
Uterine fibroids: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus.
Uterine fibroids. womenshealth.gov.
Giri A, Edwards TL, Hartmann KE, et al.African genetic ancestry interacts with body mass index to modify risk for uterine fibroids. Loos RJF, ed.PLoS Genet. 2017;13(7):e1006871. doi:10.1371/journal.pgen.1006871
Kubínová K, Mára M, Horák P, Kuzel D. [Genetic factors in etiology of uterine fibroids].Ceska Gynekol. 2012;77(1):58-60.
Nivethithai P, Nikhat SR, Rajesh BV.Uterine Fibroids: A review.Indian J Pharm Pract. 2010;3(1):6–11.
Stewart EA, Nicholson WK, Bradley L, Borah BJ.The burden of uterine fibroids for African-American women: results of a national survey. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2013;22(10):807-16. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4334
Ilaria soave, Marci R.From obesity to uterine fibroids: an intricate network. Curr Med Res Opin. 2018;34(11):1877-1879. doi:10.1080/03007995.2018.1505606
Tinelli A, Vinciguerra M, Malvasi A, Andjić M, Babović I, Sparić R.Uterine fibroids and diet.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(3):1066. Published 2021 Jan 25. doi:10.3390/ijerph18031066
Stewart, E.A. (2015). Uterine fibroids. N Engl J Med, 372, 1646-1655. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1411029
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