Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are noncancerous growths that commonly occur during the childbearing years. They do not increase the risk of uterine cancer and rarely develop into cancer themselves. While the exact cause of fibroids is unknown, estrogen hormone levels have been associated with their growth. Estrogen is a female reproductive hormone produced by the ovaries.
Many women with fibroids do not experience any symptoms, but some may have: