No one knows for sure what causes fibroids. Researchers think that more than one factor could play a role. Some have intimated that perhaps it is the combination of hormonal and genetic factors.
All medical studies have unanimously concluded that the growth of fibroids is dependent on the secretion and presence of oestrogen and progesterone. Take for example a fish in a pond that grows and matures by feeding on algae and other organisms, the absence of these feeds would automatically lead to the death of the fish. Why? Because its source of nourishment would have ceased.
Similarly, fibroids start growing from the onset of puberty. This is averagely from the ages of twelve. However, some girls experience their first menstruation as earlier as two years in what is termed as precocious puberty. Puberty is occasioned by these hormones, and it is at this point that fibroids start growing. It should also be noted that females may be born with the fibrous tissues but they remain dormant until oestrogen and progesterone start being secreted at puberty and it is at this point that they start growing because of the hormonal presence.
They also stop growing or shrink once a woman reaches menopause because oestrogen and progesterone-the hormones that nourish their growth cease to be secreted by the ovaries at menopause.
What puts women at risk of getting fibroids?
Age
Fibroids become more common as women age, especially during their 30s and 40s through menopause. After menopause, fibroids may usually shrink
Family History.
Having a family member with fibroids increases woman’s risk. Besides, if your mother had fibroids, as a daughter your risk of having them is about three times.
Ethnic origin.
Africans and black women are more likely to develop fibroids than white women. This is related to genetics.
Obesity
Women who are overweight are at higher risk for fibroids. For very heavy women, the risk is two to three times greater than average. This is because of increased circulating oestrogen levels in their blood. Fibroid ‘Meat burger’ if I may call it is “Oestrogen”. Remove it, they will die. Similar to stopping eating “ meat burgers,” they will loose weight !!
Eating Habits.
Eating a lot of red meat (e.g. beef) and ham is linked with a higher risk of fibroids. Eating plenty of green vegetables seems to protect women from developing fibroids.
Delayed child birth
A survey carried that was out in the South-South Region of Nigeria on 240 women aged between 36-45 who had delayed having children indicated that fibroids were closely linked to delayed child bearing. Similarly, I have seen thousands of women who delayed to have children with fibroids.
