Fibroids are also known as myomas, or leiomyomas. Fibroids may appear at any age but are most common in the years immediately before menopause. Research suggests that fibroid development is related to estrogen level, but the exact cause is unknown. One of the reasons cited for the estrogen dependency is the high number of women who suffer from this condition who are approaching menopause. This period is associated with a high circulating level of estrogen in many women.
Fibroids are the number one reason for hysterectomy in the United States.