The occurrence of uterine fibroids may be related to sex hormones

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyoma, are the most common benign tumors in the female reproductive system and are known as the "first gynecological tumor." According to statistics, about 20% of women of childbearing age suffer from uterine fibroids. Because most fibroids have no or few symptoms, the clinical statistical incidence is far lower than the actual incidence.

Uterine fibroids are common in women aged 30 to 50, and are rare in women under 20. At present, the exact cause of uterine fibroids is still unclear. Based on the fact that fibroids are more common in women of childbearing age and less common in adolescence, and shrink or disappear after menopause, it is suggested that their occurrence may be related to sex hormones. Sex hormones are a type of hormone secreted by the gonads that is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics and accessory reproductive organs, including androgens, estrogens, and progesterones. The onset of uterine fibroids in patients may be related to hormones such as estrogen and progesterone and their receptors. The main mechanisms are:

1. Estrogen and its receptors

Related studies have shown that the effect of converting estradiol to estrone in uterine fibroid tissue is significantly reduced, and the number of estrogen receptors is higher than that in the surrounding muscle tissue. Therefore, it is believed that the high sensitivity of local fibroid tissue to estrogen is one of the important reasons for the occurrence of fibroids.

2. Progesterone and its receptors

There are progesterone receptors in uterine fibroid tissue, and progesterone can promote the mitotic activity of uterine fibroids and stimulate the growth of fibroids.