What causes uterine fibroids?

Each uterine fibroid develops from a single muscle cell in which certain genes have been damaged or altered. The genetic changes lead to a more rapid cell division than usual in response to stimulation of hormones and growth factors. The cell division is also uncontrollable which results in a large number of abnormal muscle cells and the formation of a visible growth.

It is quite common for muscle cells from different parts of the uterus to develop these genetic changes over a period of time. This results in the forming of many fibroids on the same uterus.

The cause of genetic changes is currently unknown. It is clear that there is no fibroid gene that can be passed from mother to daughters in a direct genetic inheritance manner. There is also no association of fibroids with dietary habits or history of childbearing.