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Welcome to Phase One of DiscoverWHR!

This is just the beginning! Stay tuned as we continue to roll out new research areas and features.

Uterine Fibroids

Overview

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are tumors that form in or around the wall of the uterus. They are typically benign, and women who have them may not show any symptoms.1 However, in some cases, they may cause heavy or painful periods, bleeding between periods, frequent urination, pain during sex, or complications during pregnancy or labor. In rare cases, cancerous fibroids called leiomyosarcoma may occur.2

Uterine fibroids are common; they occur in 20% to 80% of women by the age of 50 years. African-American women, women who are overweight, and women with a family history of fibroids have a higher risk of developing them. Women with uterine fibroids may also have concomitant gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis.3

It is currently unclear what causes uterine fibroids, although hormones appear to play a role, because fibroids tend to grow during pregnancy and stop growing or shrink during menopause.2 Mutations in certain genes (e.g., MED12, HMGA2) have been found in uterine fibroids, suggesting that there is a genetic component to this disorder.4 Some research also suggests that environmental factors, such as exposure to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, may increase the risk of developing uterine fibroids.5 , 6

Some cases of uterine fibroids can be treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, which have been shown to temporarily reduce the size of the fibroids. More severe cases may require a hysterectomy, endometrial ablation, uterine fibroid embolization, or another type of surgery.2 Because the surgical treatments for uterine fibroids can impact a person’s ability to get pregnant or give birth, there is a need for fertility-sparing treatments for this condition.

NIH Research Highlight

The Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF) is a prospective epidemiologic study led by researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). This study focuses on African American women, who are disproportionally affected by uterine fibroids. The researchers have collected a wealth of data on early life experiences, menstrual and pregnancy history, environmental contaminants, sleep, stress, genetics, and other factors that may play a role in fibroid development.7

At the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), researchers are working to uncover the genetic and environmental factors that lead to uterine fibroids, as well as the biological mechanisms behind fibroid growth. In addition, NICHD researchers are investigating potential new treatments for uterine fibroids: gene therapy and laser therapies guided by magnetic resonance imaging may be viable options in the future.8

References

  1. MedlinePlus. Uterine fibroids. National Library of Medicine. Updated August 26, 2024. Accessed February 17, 2025. https://medlineplus.gov/uterinefibroids.html
  2. Uterine fibroids. Office on Women's Health. Updated February 19, 2021. Accessed February 17, 2025. https://womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids
  3. Choi EJ CS, Lee SR, et al. Comorbidity of gynecological and non-gynecological diseases with adenomyosis and endometriosis. Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2017;60(6):579-586.
  4. Segars JH PE, Nagel JD, et al. Proceedings from the Third National Institutes of Health International Congress on Advances in Uterine Leiomyoma Research: comprehensive review, conference summary and future recommendations. Hum Reprod Update. 2014;20(3):309-333.
  5. Katz TA YQ, Treviño LS, Walker CL, Al-Hendy A. Endocrine disrupting chemicals and uterine fibroids. Fertil Steril. 2016;106(4):967-977.
  6. Bariani MV RR, Siblini H, Yang Q, Al-Hendy A, Zota AR. The role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in uterine fibroid pathogenesis. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2020;27(6):380-387.
  7. SELF history. DetroitSELF.org. Accessed June 13, 2025. https://detroitself.org/About/History
  8. NICHD uterine fibroids research information. Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Updated July 8, 2024. Accessed February 17, 2025. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/uterine/researchinfo

Learn More About NIH Resources for Uterine Fibroids Research