In basic terms, fibroids are non-cancerous tumours which develop in and around the uterus. They are made up of fibrous and muscle tissue and can vary in size. Many women who have fibroids are unaware of their presence as they do not experience any symptoms. In most cases fibroids are detected during routine gynaecological checkups.

It is thought that fibroids are caused by an imbalance of the female hormone oestrogen, for this reason it is women who are prone to have than rather than men. The oestrogen hormone is produced by the ovaries and therefore fibroids generally appear during a woman’s reproductive years.

Research and scans have shown that fibroids generally increase in size when oestrogen levels are at their highest i.e. during gestation. Likewise fibroids are seen to reduce in size during the menopause when oestrogen levels decrease. In the majority of cases fibroids do not cause any symptoms and so treatment is not necessary. Often they will shrink by themselves and even disappear. However, in cases where the woman experiences discomfort such as pain or heavy bleeding medication then becomes necessary and even surgery to remove the tumour.

Figures show that fibroids occur in around 40 percent of women and are more common in those of African Caribbean origin. It is also known that poor diet and obesity are underlying factors that contribute the fibroid development and growth in and around the uterus. Without doubt, diet, lifestyle and being overweight play a huge part in the imbalance of oestrogen that can occur in the female body resulting in fibroids.