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Endometriosis and Fibroids Risk Factors
Posted: May 1, 2009
Who usually gets endometriosis?
Endometriosis is one of the most common health problems for women. In general, women with endometriosis get their monthly period and have symptoms for two to five years before finding out they have the disease. Women who have gone through menopause (when a woman stops having her period) rarely still have symptoms.
What can raise my chances of getting endometriosis?
You are more likely to develop endometriosis if you:
- began getting your period at an early age
- have heavy periods
- have periods that last more than seven days
- have a short monthly cycle (27 days or less)
- have a close relative (mother, aunt, sister) with endometriosis
How can I reduce my chances of getting endometriosis?
Some studies suggest that you may lower your chances of developing endometriosis if you:
- exercise regularly
- avoid alcohol and caffeine
Who gets fibroids?
There are factors that can increase a woman's risk of developing fibroids.
- Age. Fibroids become more common as women age, especially during the 30s and 40s through menopause. After menopause, fibroids usually shrink.
- Family history. Having a family member with fibroids increases your risk. If a woman's mother had fibroids, her risk of having them is about three times higher than average.
- Ethnic origin. African-American women are more likely to develop fibroids than white women.
- Obesity. Women who are overweight are at higher risk for fibroids. For very heavy women, the risk is two to three times greater than average.
- Eating habits. Eating a lot of red meat (e.g., beef) and ham is linked with a higher risk of fibroids. Eating plenty of green vegetables seems to protect women from developing fibroids.
What causes fibroids?
No one knows for sure what causes fibroids. Researchers think that more than one factor could play a role. These factors could be:
- hormonal (affected by estrogen and progesterone levels)
- genetic (runs in families)
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health
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