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Chapter 19 - Uterine Fibroids in Postmenopausal Women

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 October 2020

By
Mohamed Ali ,
Zunir Tayyeb Chaudhry  and
Ayman Al-Hendy
Edited by
Mostafa Metwally  and
Tin-Chiu Li
Mostafa Metwally
Affiliation:
University of Sheffield
Tin-Chiu Li
Affiliation:
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
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Summary

Uterine fibroids (UFs), also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are the most common benign gynaecologic neoplasm in premenopausal women worldwide and estimated to occur in 7–8 women out of 10 during their lifetime [1]. The aetiology behind UFs is thought to involve genetic, biologic, and environmental factors [1]. Growth factors have been implicated in certain molecular processes involved in the pathogenesis of UFs which includes inflammation, cell proliferation, fibrosis, and angiogenesis [2]. Numerous studies and clinical observations have shown that growth of UFs is dependent on ovarian steroid hormones. Accordingly, there have been no documented cases of UFs prior to menarche, while its prevalence increases with age and peaks during the fifth decade of life [3]. Consequently, the risk tends to decline after menopause, especially in women over the age of 70 years [4]. About 20% of UF patients present with heavy or abnormal bleeding and pelvic pressure; additionally, UFs can cause infertility or loss of pregnancy [2].

Type
Chapter
Information
Modern Management of Uterine Fibroids , pp. 184 - 189
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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