Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths that develop within the uterus. These growths can range significantly in size, from tiny seedlings to masses large enough to alter the uterus’s shape. Many individuals have fibroids without noticeable issues, often discovered during routine gynecological examinations. Approximately 40% to 80% of those with a uterus develop fibroids, most often between ages 30 and 50.
How Quickly Do Fibroids Grow?
The growth rate of uterine fibroids varies considerably, making it difficult to predict. While many fibroids grow slowly or remain stable, some can exhibit rapid growth, increasing in size by 18% to 120% annually. For instance, a 2-centimeter fibroid might take four to five years to double its diameter.
Rapid growth can involve fibroids doubling in size within a few months. The median growth rate observed is around 9% over six months, or approximately 89% over eighteen months. Smaller fibroids may sometimes grow faster than larger ones.
Despite instances of quick growth, rapid expansion is typically not an indication of a cancerous change. The vast majority of fibroids remain benign. However, such rapid changes can prompt further medical evaluation. Fibroids can also occasionally shrink, particularly after menopause.
Factors Driving Fibroid Growth
The growth of uterine fibroids is influenced by several factors, with hormones playing a key role. Estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle, stimulate fibroid growth. Fibroid cells have more receptors for these hormones than normal uterine muscle cells, making them highly responsive to hormonal fluctuations. This explains why fibroids often grow during pregnancy when hormone levels are elevated and shrink after menopause when levels decline.
Genetic predisposition also plays a role in fibroid development. Individuals with a family history of fibroids, such as a mother or sister, face an increased risk, potentially up to three times higher than average. Specific genetic changes, including mutations in genes like MED12 and FH, have been implicated in fibroid growth. These genetic factors can influence how the body processes and responds to hormones, affecting susceptibility.
Other influences on fibroid growth include ethnicity, with Black women having a higher likelihood of developing fibroids, often at younger ages and with more pronounced symptoms. Body weight is also a factor, as obesity may lead to increased estrogen production, fueling fibroid growth. Dietary patterns, such as high red meat and processed food intake, or a diet low in fruits and vegetables, and vitamin D deficiency, have also been associated with increased risk or growth.
Monitoring and Medical Guidance
Monitoring fibroid growth is typically done through imaging techniques like ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These methods allow healthcare providers to assess the size, number, and location of fibroids over time. Regular check-ups are important, especially if fibroids are present, even without symptoms. This approach helps track changes and determine if intervention is needed.
Certain symptoms may suggest rapid fibroid growth or warrant immediate medical consultation. These include sudden heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, or severe pelvic pain. A noticeable increase in abdominal size, pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, or constipation could also indicate fibroids are growing and pressing on surrounding organs.
Any concerns about fibroid growth or new or worsening symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider. A medical professional can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend an appropriate management plan. While rapid growth is usually benign, evaluation helps rule out other conditions and ensure timely care.