Anywhere from 20- 80% of women develop fibroids by the time they turn 50 years old. This is a big range, but it accounts for the fact that not all women develop symptomatic fibroids so they might not realize they have one.
If someone in your family has fibroids, you too might wonder if you’re part of that group of women who develop fibroids before the age of 50.
While the exact cause of fibroids remains unclear, there’s evidence to suggest that genetic factors play a significant role in their development.
Here’s what you need to know about fibroids and your genetics, courtesy of our expert team at Fresno Fibroid Center in Fresno, California.
As with many conditions, it’s important to know your family medical history when it comes to uterine fibroids. According to data published by the Office on Women’s Health, if your mother has fibroids, you have about a threefold higher risk of developing them.
This familial pattern suggests that genetic factors passed down through generations may contribute to the development of fibroids.
While knowing your family history doesn’t change whether you will or won’t develop a fibroid, it can help you make informed decisions about when to seek care. For example, if your period is heavy or lasts longer than normal, you might suspect that a fibroid is to blame and seek the appropriate treatments.
Certain genetic mutations and variations have been associated with an increased likelihood of fibroid development. For example, mutations in genes involved in hormone regulation, cell growth, and extracellular matrix remodeling may contribute to the development and growth of fibroids.
According to research published in the journal Endocrine Reviews, mutations on your Xq13 gene occur in as many as 90% of women with uterine fibroids. Researchers also connected uterine fibroids with the overexpression of HMGA2.
While it’s clear that there’s a genetic connection with fibroids, it’s not the only risk factor for fibroids.
Lifestyle and environmental factors can also increase your risk of developing a fibroid. This includes:
The good part here is that these risk factors are within your control. Swap out any endocrine-disrupting chemicals for toxic-free options. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a site called Skin Deep to help you make informed decisions about products that may disrupt your hormones.
Maintaining a healthy weight and eating nutrient-dense foods can also support your reproductive system.
Regardless of what contributed to your fibroid development, the result is still the same: uterine fibroids. That’s where we come into the picture. Drs. Balfour, Ng, Pruett, and Tower can help you get relief from problematic uterine fibroids through a variety of treatments.
Questions? Give us a call at 559-216-0746 or book your next appointment online.
