Am I at Risk for Fibroids?

There are several factors that may increase your risk for fibroids, including:

Age: Fibroids are most common in women in their 30s and 40s.

Family history: If you have a family history of fibroids, you are more likely to develop them yourself.

Race: African American women are more likely to develop fibroids than women of other races.

Obesity: Obese women are more likely to develop fibroids than women who are not obese.

Menstrual history: Women who have never been pregnant or who have had their first pregnancy after age 35 are more likely to develop fibroids.

High blood pressure: Women with high blood pressure are more likely to develop fibroids.

Diabetes: Women with diabetes are more likely to develop fibroids.

Use of certain medications: Some medications, such as birth control pills and tamoxifen, can increase the risk of fibroids.

PCOS: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to develop fibroids.

It's important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that you will definitely develop fibroids. Conversely, not having any of these risk factors does not mean that you are immune to developing fibroids. If you are concerned about your risk for fibroids, talk to your doctor.