What are Fibroids of the Uterus?
Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths on the inside and outside walls of the uterus and sometimes cervix. Approximately 3 out of every 10 women will have fibroids at some time, usually between the ages of late thirties and early forties. After menopause fibroids usually shrink. They often run in families. Many women will never know they have fibroids unless a routine examination reveals them, because often they cause no symptoms. In about half of all cases, however, the growths can cause heavy and frequent menstrual periods, bleeding between periods, anaemia due to the excess blood loss, and fatigue and weakness as a result of the anaemia. High-oestrogen birth control pills may stimulate the growth of fibroids.
