Regardless of their cause, researchers do know that fibroids are generally not life-threatening. Fibroids are most common in women aged 30 to 40, but they can occur at any age. Even though science has not determined why fibroids occur, there does seem to be some connection with race. Women of African American heritage tend to have the highest frequency of fibroids. However, a woman of any race may develop fibroids.
Women can have fibroids and never even know it.
No symptoms are present and the growths cause no trouble. On the other hand, some women with a single small fibroid may have multiple symptoms that will cause them to seek medical help. Symptoms may include heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, and an acute or chronic pain or pressure in the lower abdomen. Excessive bleeding may lead to anemia, a low blood count that can make a woman feel tired or sick. Fibroid growth seems to be stimulated by estrogen, often resulting in symptom occurrence.