Why Are Uterine Fibroids Particularly Common in Black Women?

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the muscle tissue of the uterus. They are very common, affecting up to 80% of women at some point in their lives. However, they are particularly common in Black women, affecting up to 90% of Black women in the United States.

There are several factors that contribute to the increased rate of uterine fibroids in Black women:

Genetic factors: Black women are more likely to have specific genetic variants that increase their risk of developing uterine fibroids. These genetic variants may be inherited from either parent.

Hormonal factors: Black women generally have higher levels of the hormone estrogen than White women. Estrogen stimulates the growth of uterine fibroids, so higher levels of estrogen may increase the risk of developing these tumors.

Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for uterine fibroids, and Black women are more likely to be obese than White women. Obesity may increase the risk of uterine fibroids by increasing the production of estrogen and other hormones that promote the growth of these tumors.

Environmental factors: Black women are more likely to be exposed to certain environmental factors that may increase the risk of uterine fibroids, such as cigarette smoke, hair relaxers, and certain pollutants.

Reproductive factors: Black women are more likely to have early menarche (the onset of menstruation), more pregnancies, and longer menstrual cycles than White women. These factors may all increase the risk of developing uterine fibroids.

The combination of these factors contributes to the increased rate of uterine fibroids in Black women. Further research is needed to better understand the causes of uterine fibroids and to develop more effective treatments for this condition.