Are Your Fibroids Hereditary?

Any woman who knows that her mother, grandmother or sister had fibroids at one time in their lives has probably wondered, are fibroids hereditary?

The short answer is yes. But heredity factors are just one issue that can determine if you follow in your family’s footsteps.

The first thing to realize is that as many as 3 out of 4 women will develop fibroids during their lifetimes. According to The Office on Women’s Health, about 20 to 80 percent of women develop fibroids by the time they reach age 50. Most are unaware they have fibroids. Sometimes, doctors will accidentally discover fibroids during a routine pelvic or pregnancy exam, and then refer their patients to a specialist to have the fibroids treated. In other situations, fibroids can get too large and may lead to painful, life-altering symptoms.

Do you have any of these symptoms?

•  Pain during or after intercourse
•  Pelvic pain or pressure
•  Difficulty urinating
•  Need to urinate more often
•  Back or leg pain
•  Heavy menstrual bleeding
•  Periods that last longer than a week
•  Constipation

Thank Your Mother or Grandmother for Fibroids

It is totally common for women to ask, are fibroids hereditary? Studies consistently show that there is a consistent link between fibroids and heredity. So if your mother, grandmother or sister had fibroids, you are predisposed. In fact, the OWH says your risk of also experiencing them is roughly three times higher.

But there are additional factors beyond hereditary concerns that can increase a woman’s risk for developing fibroids.

1. Eating habits

Eating a lot of red meat (e.g., beef) and sugary foods are linked to a higher risk of fibroids.

2. Obesity

According to the OWH, the risk for heavy women is two to three times greater than average.

3. Age

Fibroids are more common between the ages of 30 and 50.

Ways You Can Reduce Your Risk of Fibroids

• Eat more fruits, especially citrus, and vegetables
• Get more exercise
• Avoid consuming too much alcohol
• Drink more dairy
• Increase your Vitamin D intake
• Lower your stress levels

Schedule an Appointment with Fibroid Institute Dallas to Learn More

Uterine fibroids can cause painful and life-altering symptoms for many women. At Fibroid Institute Dallas, we don’t believe you need to decide between suffering in silence or having a hysterectomy. That is why we are dedicated to treating fibroids using Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), the gold standard in non-surgical fibroid treatment. 

Do you have questions about your fibroid tumor symptoms or risk for fibroids? Schedule a telehealth consult or office consult with Dr. Suzanne Slonim or call 214-838-6440 to learn more. In addition, you can request a 15-minute free phone screening with an expert fibroid nurse to determine if you are eligible for fibroid treatment without surgery.

Fibroid Institute Dallas serves the DFW area including Dallas, Duncanville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Cockrell Hill, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Hutchins, Irving, Highland Park, University Park, Park Cities, Garland, Mesquite, Richardson, Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Plano, Allen, and all of North Texas.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Prior to starting any new treatment or if you have questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.