Gynecology Question:

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Fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign smooth muscle tumors that occur in the uterus. They grow under the influence of estrogen and progesterone, and are thus seen in the reproductive years. By the age of 40, 40% of women have fibroids. African-American women may be prone to get symptomatic fibroids in their 20’s. With menopause and the decrease in hormones, fibroids also decrease in size. The most common symptom from fibroids is abnormal bleeding. When fibroids grow, it can also cause pressure symptoms on the bladder, rectum or pelvis. There may be a genetic predisposition to having fibroids and multiple fibroids.