The cause of fibroids is unknown. Hormonal influence is significant. Estrogen, in particular, stimulates growth. Fibroids have the potential to enlarge during pregnancy, as well as to regress after menopause. Fibroids are the most common gynecological tumor in women.
Symptoms vary greatly.
Some women are fortunate to be completely asymptomatic but their fibroids are usually very insignificant in size. Fibroids are frequently diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings of an enlarged, irregularly shaped uterus on pelvic exam. This is confirmed most commonly by ultrasound, less frequently by CT scan. Pregnancy loss or complications can occur in women with fibroids. Although most women have uncomplicated pregnancies and delivery.