Black women are especially burdened by fibroids.
This leads to earlier deterioration of health and quality of life.
This article discusses the causes of uterine fibroids, with insights into the effects on Black women.
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What we do know is that they are under hormonal controlnamelyestrogenandprogesterone.
Fortunately, some recent genetic studies have led to some hope for answers.
Cytogenetic studieswhich study DNAhave found that up to 40% of uterine fibroids bear some chromosomal abnormalities.
Uterine fibroids arise from an uncontrolled overgrowth of smooth muscle and connective tissue in the uterus.
As a result, some Black women are reluctant to engage with the U.S. healthcare system.
In the studies that did, Black women made up only 15% of study participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes Black women to develop uterine fibroids?
Vitamin D deficiency and hereditary factors have been spotlighted due to the race-based differences that exist in disease prevalence.
What makes fibroids flare up?
Do fibroids cause miscarriages?
Including Black women in research is central to this process.
Complicating the process even more is that many Black women with fibroids appear to choose to suffer in silence.
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Published 2021 Jan 25. doi:10.3390/ijerph18031066
